Olivia Downs

FFor Olivia, volunteering in the community brings her out of her comfort zone and allows her to grow.

“The best part of volunteering is being able to get myself out there and meet new people in my community that I’d probably never have been able to meet otherwise. I’ve been able to meet many interesting women leaders, like the CEO of Girl Scouts USA and Astronaut Jan Davis.”

In 2022, Olivia Downs performed 275 volunteer service hours for which she received the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award. This was the fifth year that Olivia has earned this recognition, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to volunteerism in our com-

Senior at James Clemens High School

munity.

Olivia volunteers with the American Legion Post 229, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 229, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2107, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and Girl Scout Service Unit 212 of Madison.

Olivia spends several hours each month working behind the scenes. Some of her volunteer work includes making and picking up handmade cards for veterans from local schools, shopping for supplies and gifts, playing board games with veterans, sorting donated items, or preparing for upcoming events and activities.

She has supported over 140 veterans and veteran’s spouses in Madison’s assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities through her participation in the Junior Auxiliary.

“I hope that my involvement with the American Legion and the Auxiliary is impacting the veterans in Madison’s senior living facilities,” says Olivia. “We do a lot to recognize them and thank them for their service, and I hope it is making them feel appreciated.”

Olivia also supports the American Legion by participating in flag placement and retrieval on veterans’ graves for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day at our city’s cemeteries, as well as the placement and recovery of the wreaths for Christmas.

As an Ambassador Girl Scout, Olivia has volunteered to assist with younger girl programs for the Madison Girl Scout Service Unit. She has taught the Leave No Trace class to Madison Girl Scouts and a beginning archery badge class to a Brownie Troop.

Olivia loves her community and encourages her friends to get involved. For her, Madison’s smalltown feel is one of the things she loves the most.

“I love how Madison is getting new businesses and expanding, but it still feels like a community that is connected by common values.”

Emilie Tesseneer

T“The best part of volunteering is being able to connect with new people, and knowing that I am making some kind of a difference in someone’s life.”

Emilie’s volunteer work through her school is an extension of her family’s volunteer work. Whether that is donating to Kids to Love or supporting the local homeless shelters, Emilie knows the value volunteerism brings to the community.

Junior Student 2 Student is a middle school-level student program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, creates a positive environment, supports academic excellence, and eases transitions. As a member of this organization, Emilie

Freshman at Bob Jones High School

gave new student tours, answered questions, and participated in special events by being a student speaker and helper.

Emilie also has volunteered with the Best Buddies program. The Best Buddies program pairs students together to build lasting friendships and help those with disabilities conquer their fears of not fitting in.

“Those moments with the Best Buddies program were memorable,” said Emilie.

Emilie is also a current swim mentor to the younger swimmers in Madison Dolphins Swim Team. As a state swim record holder and state swim team champion for Bob Jones High School, she volunteers with the Madison

Dolphins’ age six and under program.

One of her best moments as a volunteer coach was when the team won first place at the state championships. “I had volunteered every day since summer swim started to coach the kids on the team. Being presented with that trophy and getting up on the podium with all the kids and all of the coaches felt so good! I was so proud of the kids for doing their very best, and I’m so glad that their hard work throughout the season paid off.”

As a ninth grader at Bob Jones High School, Emilie has many years ahead of her to continue making a difference in Madison.

“I believe that volunteering is a way to connect people within our community while trying to better our city. I think that it is a way to improve the people and the places around us,” she said.

As for Madison’s future, Emilie believes that there will be many opportunities for the city’s youth to get involved.

“I think Madison’s future will be filled with growth and I believe that this growth will open up even more opportunities for everyone to get involved and volunteer in something they love.”