Senior Jessica Greven from Carmel High School was awarded the 27th annual Hamilton County Youth Service Award Wednesday night. The ceremony is sponsored by the Hamilton County Commissioners, the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (HCCOAOD), and each of the seven high schools in Hamilton County. Greven was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Greven has been active in the Key Club, National Honor Society, and student government. She plays for both the Carmel High School varsity soccer team and the Elite Clubs National League. Greven even led a soccer camp at the Julian Center for Domestic Violence in Indianapolis. Her volunteer efforts also include teaching English to students in Cambodia, making blankets for the homeless in Indianapolis, and providing free tutoring lessons. Greven also assisted the boys’ soccer team with its “Making Good Decisions” campaign that emphasizes the importance of an alcohol-free lifestyle and teaches high school students about the Indiana Lifeline Law.
“My greatest accomplishment throughout high school has been my ability to influence youth younger than myself,” Greven says. “With each service opportunity I took part in, I did so driven by the passion in my heart because I wanted to improve the lives of those who were less fortunate than I.”
Greven plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis in the fall on a partial scholarship for soccer.
Six other students were nominated for the Youth Service Award by their school’s counseling department. The other nominees included Myra Kivett from Fishers High School, Ellie Arrowood from Hamilton Heights High School, Macy Walters from Hamilton Southeastern High School, Sophie Brisco from Noblesville High School, Nick Roberts from Sheridan High School, and Ava Henson from Westfield High School. They will each receive a $300 scholarship.
“We are proud of each of the applicants that have chosen to lead a drug free lifestyle and contribute their time to help make positive changes in the lives of others,” said HCCAOD Executive Director Monica Greer.