YC Honors Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
April was National Volunteer Month, and April 20–26 marked National Volunteer Week—a time to celebrate the incredible impact of volunteers across the country. At Youth Challenge (YC), we often say, “Volunteers are half our mission,” and it’s true. They do so much more than assist participants—they form meaningful friendships, grow in empathy and understanding, and help foster a culture of disability awareness.
Many YC volunteers carry this experience with them into their futures, often pursuing careers in helping professions like physical or occupational therapy, special education, and other service-oriented fields. Their time at YC not only shapes their path—it enriches our entire community.
This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognized some of our longest-serving Senior Volunteers. These dedicated individuals have given countless hours to YC over the years, and their ongoing commitment has made a lasting difference in the lives of our participants. We are deeply grateful for their passion, generosity, and heart. Thank you for being such an essential part of the YC family!
Sarah Alahmad
School: Westlake High School
Future Plans: I’ll be attending Duke University where I plan to major in neuroscience and sociology
Dream Job: Doctor but I also hope to do work in public health!
Fun Fact: I LOVE to bake (my banana bread is my proudest accomplishment)
Favorite YC program: West side AND East side field day
YC Memory: Designing catapults in STEM-tastic and bringing them to Mini Camp with the Volunteer Committee.
Vinny Mead
School: St. Edward High School
Future Plans: Walsh University. Majoring in Sports Management.
Dream Job: Sports agent
Fun Fact: I have played Baseball for basically my whole life
YC Memory: the Soccer shootout between YC and Empower Sports last year where it went all the way down to the last person without anyone winning the game. It was amazing to see how happy all the kids were before a shot and when someone made it.
Caroline Hustey
School: Magnificat High School
Future Plans: I am going to Virginia Tech and plan to study neuroscience!
Dream Job: Anesthesiologist
Fun Fact: I am a dancer
Favorite YC Program: Sports & Swim
YC Memory: Dressing up for the YC Halloween party!
Rachel Cahill
School: Magnificat High School
Future Plans: I’m attending The Ohio State University and my major will be sciences!
Dream Job: Comedian
Fun Fact: I play tennis
Favorite YC Program: Car Washes
YC Memory: Climbing side by side with my partner during rock climbing!
Libby Jodon
School: Saint Joseph Academy
Plans: University of Cincinnati, Communications
Dream Job: Human Rights Coordinator
Fun Fact: I can roller skate!
Favorite YC program: Holiday Show
YC Memory: YC Halloween Parties
David Telban
School: St. Ignatius High School
Intended Major: Kent State University with a major in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and minor in metals/jewelry/enameling
Dream job: own a business
Fun fact: I am in honors college at Kent
Favorite program: Sports and swim
A YC memory that makes you smile: Romaine having me shut my eyes when playing connect 4, but after a while we realized we didn’t know if we won or not
Claudia Walsh
School: Rocky River High School
Intended Major/School after High School: I’ll be studying Nursing at the University of Dayton after high school
Dream job: to be a travel nurse
Fun fact: I have 3 dogs
Favorite program: Campfire Cooking!
A YC memory that makes you smile: Playing Wheelchair Basketball with everyone
Not only did YC recognize top teen volunteers during National Volunteer Month, bur YC was also recognized on Newsdepth, a weekly interactive digital series produced by Ideastream Public Media that breaks down the biggest news stories into teachable lessons for 4th to 6th grade students. Check out the YC feature here.
