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Emma Westfall, a seventh-grader at Zionsville Middle School, has recently been recognized as one of only five middle school students across Indiana to receive the prestigious Youth Power and Hope Award from Indiana Electric Cooperatives. This award honors students in grades five through eight who are passionate about community service and volunteerism.
Her path to this honor began while volunteering at the Zionsville Food Pantry, where a staff member encouraged her to apply for the award. “I like volunteering,” she says. “It makes me feel good knowing I can make a difference in someone’s day.”
Emma’s commitment to her volunteer work is remarkable considering her young age. Despite her academic and sports commitments, she always finds time to give back to her community, setting a remarkable example for her peers.
She has devoted countless hours to helping her community through various organizations in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. At the Zionsville Food Pantry, she sorts and organizes food donations and prepares boxes for needy families. At Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women and Children, she serves dinner and even hosts games during events like their Fall Festival.
Another favorite volunteer site for Emma is the Humane Society for Boone County, where she reads to cats, creates treats for animals, and helps with cleaning and organizing supplies. Though being around shelter animals can sometimes be emotional, she says she finds joy in knowing she’s making their lives a little brighter.
Emma’s service and commitment to creating a better community doesn’t stop there. She also volunteers with Safety Town, a program for incoming kindergarteners to teach them about road safety, seatbelt use and riding the school bus. Additionally, she contributes her time to the Indiana Diaper Bank, helping to sort and package diapers for needy families.
Despite her packed schedule, she manages to balance her volunteer work with school and soccer by planning around her breaks, and dedicating weekends and evenings to community service. She often spends Friday nights at Wheeler Mission. “I like interacting with people,” she said. “It’s important to me to know I can make a difference.”
Emma’s mother, Krista Westfall, is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and dedication. “Emma is very humble,” Krista says. “Her volunteering allows her to see how others live and understand the importance of helping others.” Krista and her husband emphasize the value of being servant leaders and leading by example. The Westfall family regularly volunteers at Wheeler Mission together.
Emma received her Youth Power and Hope Award at a special banquet on December 9, where she was honored alongside other outstanding young volunteers. She was thrilled to be recognized for her hard work and commitment to serving her community.
Emma’s plans to continue her service are not just a personal commitment, but a promise to further her impact on the world. Her story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s dedication can inspire others and create meaningful change. For Emma, the message is simple and profound: “I like knowing I can make someone’s day better.”
