Salem’s community is a bit better now than it was before, thanks to the community service work of 14 graduating high school seniors who are receiving Service Honors Recognition pins this year.

These three teens offer examples of the kinds of skills and experiences young people can benefit from through community service.

“Volunteering at the city has allowed me to grow in so many ways, most significantly helping me develop my own self-confidence and my public speaking skills,” said An Nguyen of Sprague High School. “Through this, I became more sure of myself when leading others.”

“The best part about volunteering at the library is the community,” said Fateh Gogia, also of Sprague. “From the young to the old, each person brings their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Each day I would go, I would hear about someone's experiences that would inspire me, and before I knew it, it was time to go home.”

“Even though I moved to seaside, I still wanted to give back to the city I love and giving back to the community is something I love to do,” said Samantha Murry, Seaside, formerly West Salem High. “This year, the youth council meetings were virtual, making it easier for me to give ideas and join in. Serving with the city has helped me realize how many teens want to give back and help out.”

Here are some ways this Class of 2023 group has made a difference:

• redesigning and planting Civic Center pollinator gardens in CAREcorps,
• joining in public process for Our Salem, Climate Action, and Equity Roundtable plans,
• volunteering at the Salem Kids Relays and the Library,
• organizing shoe collections and cleaning shoes for One Thousand Soles,
• joining the Police Cadet Program,
• volunteering at the opening concert series at the City’s new riverfront amphitheater,
• planning and presenting the ILEAD Youth Leadership Summit, and much more.

“These students are forming habits now that will serve them well as they become the leaders of our future,” said Mayor Chris Hoy. “They are giving of their time and talents and making our community better in the process. Thank you, seniors, for making a difference.”

City volunteer and teen leadership development programs provide opportunities for young community members to grow while positively impacting Salem. The students honored have donated at least 30 hours during their high school career to one or more programs in direct partnership with the City of Salem

Students receive a congratulatory letter from Mayor Hoy and a commemorative pin.

CAPTIONS: From left, Yeonwoo Jeong, Blanchet Catholic High School; An Nguyen, Sprague High School; Cady McManus, Summit Learning Charter; and Shelby Rose Long, West Salem High School are among the 14 students receiving Service Honors Recognition this year.

Each Service Honors recipient will receive a commemorative pin.

2023 City of Salem Service Honors Recipients

Abiqua Academy

Spenser Lamphear

Blanchet Catholic High School

McNary High School

Kiele Jarnagin

Seaside High School (formerly @ West Salem HS)

Samantha Murry

South Salem High School

Brandon Sims

Mihir Joshi

Sprague High School

An Nguyen

Ashlyn Chess

Fatehjot Gogia

Theresa Wunderlich

Summit Learning Charter School

Cady McManus

Teach Northwest Virtual Charter School

Riley Hurt

West Salem High School

Erin Montgomery

Shelby Rose Long

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