Celebrating the Orlando-area youth committed to making a big difference in their communities.

Who ever said young people can’t do big things? Between homework, chores and likely a scroll through TikTok, these kids are making big impacts in their schools, their communities and even the world abroad.

Childhood looks different now than it ever has before, drawing concerns and criticisms about today’s youth and what the world will look like as they begin taking on roles of power and responsibility. This particular group of young people are putting those fears to rest and the stereotypes to shame, practicing values of community building, generosity, and compassion to make positive change and meaningful impact in the world around them. If these super kids are any example, we can all rest assured of a bright future ahead.

Dash Green

Fourteen-year-old Green’s love for technology and passion for giving back blend seamlessly at Give Kids The World Village, where he devotes his time volunteering in Mayor Clayton’s WonderLab: a STEAM activity center designed to inspire curiosity and childlike wonder. The center spreads hope to children with critical illnesses and their families during their once-in-a-lifetime wish vacations at the Village.

A freshman at Montverde Academy who aspires to become a mechanical engineer, Green loves leveraging his favorite hobbies—LEGO building, coding, video games and JDM cars—to help young guests learn new skills and discover the joy of science. During activities including animatronic programming, 3D printing, hydraulic machine building and magnetic marble runs, Green appreciates the chance to hone his teaching skills while experiencing first-hand the impact volunteering at the Village has on wish families.

“Volunteering at Give Kids The World is fun and rewarding. It has enabled me to meet new people from around the world and improve my public speaking, team-building and communication skills while earning community service hours,” says Green. “Since I am a younger volunteer, I can connect with the kids more than the adults because I can relate to them on another level. I am so happy to be part of the Give Kids The World community and know my volunteer experiences there will continue to positively impact me throughout my life.”

Grace Havlir

Havlir’s contributions to the Winter Park Library have been nothing short of transformative. Her volunteer work has had a significant impact, especially within the teen community. As a dedicated member of the library’s Teen Book Guild (TBG), Havlir has written thoughtful reviews and conducted insightful author interviews, each featured prominently on the TBG blog. She also creates vibrant social media content spotlighting the library’s teen collection.

Beyond her work with the Teen Book Guild, Havlir also served as a summer intern, where her impact was felt across multiple areas of the library’s youth services. She played a pivotal role in connecting families to the Summer Reading Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage reading and learning throughout the summer months. Havlir’s enthusiasm and ability to engage with both children and parents alike helped drive participation and made the summer one of the library’s most successful.

Havlir’s volunteerism reflects her passion for literature and community service, leaving a legacy at the Winter Park Library. Her work has not only enhanced the library’s offerings but also strengthened the connection with the youth in their community. She also leads efforts to organize community book drives with both Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida and A Gift for Teaching, ensuring students in need have access to educational resources.

In addition to her dedicated volunteerism, Havlir excels as 4.0 International Baccalaureate scholar at Winter Park High School, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. Beyond academics, Havlir is a standout athlete, rowing in a crew that has consistently won state and national titles since her freshman year. Balancing these responsibilities showcases her exceptional time management skills, passion for service and unwavering determination to succeed in all aspects of her life.

Ava Curtis

Curtis, a junior at Windermere Preparatory School (WPS), has been a dedicated volunteer at the Orange County Regional History Center for three years. At the History Center, Curtis enjoys sharing her passion for history and working with kids through interactive activities and educational games. During breaks, she enjoys playing games such as Connect 4 with the younger campers, even when she is outplayed.

Diane Masciale, Museum Services Coordinator, says, “Ava shows beauty and grace, engaging the children immediately upon entering the room! What a great role model!”

In addition to her volunteer work, Curtis has made significant contributions to her school. As an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate at WPS, Curtis focuses on global politics, computer science and theater, balancing her commitment to community service with academic and extracurricular pursuits. She founded the WPS chapter of Rho Kappa, the National History Honor Society, and has participated in Model United Nations, where she earned an award of distinction. Curtis also performs with the WPS Theatre Troupe 6902 and will be featured as Sally Brown in the upcoming Charlie Brown musical.

Curtis’ involvement in both her community and school highlights her passion for learning and leadership. Whether she’s engaging young minds at the History Center, debating global issues or performing on stage, Curtis consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence and service.

Madisen Xavier

Xavier, a senior at Lyman High School, has a passion for giving back, demonstrated by countless hours of volunteer service within her community. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Xaviers’s mother modeled a dedication to volunteerism through the Red Cross inspiring her daughter to do the same. Xavier’s first experience volunteering was handing out toys at a family shelter during Christmas, an experience she says, “felt more like a privilege than work.”

Xavier is a regular volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank and the Orange County Regional History Center, where each summer she volunteers for the Adventures in History Summer Camp eagerly leading and engaging young campers in themed educational activities. The History Center recognized her dedication with the Volunteer President Award, which further fueled her commitment to seeking out opportunities where she could make a difference.

At Lyman, Xavier is a member of the National Honor Society and the Interact Club. Both organizations encourage service by high school students within the community. Time spent volunteering at Nemours Children’s Hospital and Orlando’s Arnold and Winnie Palmer Hospital has shaped Xavier’s aspirations, inspiring her to pursue a degree in neuroscience and a career in medicine.

“I am passionate about helping others and easing their stress, which I believe is central to both volunteering and medicine,” says Xavier.

Outside of her volunteer commitments and academic pursuits Xavier enjoys crocheting and sewing, as well as reading, writing and playing tennis.

Of her combined experiences Xavier says, “These opportunities have allowed me to meet so many new friends and people that have changed my life. I feel privileged to have grown up with a role model who instilled in me the belief that volunteering is not just a responsibility but a privilege—an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.”

Clermond “Kevin” Pompilus

Pompilus, a freshman at Evans High School, remembers watching his siblings grow up in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida’s Walt Disney World Clubhouse—awe-inspired by everything they were able to accomplish. Laughing as he recalls his 6-year-old self firmly pressed against the window of the robotics lab, “I didn’t think I could do any of it,” he says.

Fast forward a few years and Pompilus not only excels in robotics and art, but he also mentors younger club members. Already a seasoned volunteer and community advocate, Pompilus is constantly driven to helping others however he can.

Pompilus is an integral part of the Food for Thought initiative in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank advocating for food security both locally and in Washington, D.C. and providing food kits to community members in need.

Additionally, Pompilus is part of the Mental Health Myth Busters at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, where he and other teens mentors dismantle mental health stigmas and promote coping strategies. His work as a mental health advocate has also taken him to Washington, D.C. where he facilitated a session with youth from across the country.

Beyond the club, Pompilus contributes through the Little Elevate program at Evans High School, mentoring elementary school children—providing a listening ear and offering words of wisdom.

“If I know I can help, I’m going to do it,” he says. “If I can make the world a better place, I will.”

Zara Lwin

Lwin, senior at Windermere Preparatory School (WPS), exemplifies dedication and leadership through her extensive volunteer work and involvement in various community initiatives. Her passion for making a difference shines in every aspect of her life. As a former participant and now a volunteer for The Royal International Miss Event, Lwin empowers young girls globally, helping them chase their dreams and passions. She also bridges generational gaps through her involvement with the Tech Savvy Senior project and the Senior First Organization, introducing the elderly to new technologies, including a memorable Oculus event last summer.

At WPS, Lwin’s commitment extends beyond academics. She is an integral part of the school’s theater program, where she volunteers in technical roles, acts in productions and assists with logistics. Her enthusiasm for understanding global issues is evident through her participation in the school’s Model UN team, where she has attended the prestigious Harvard Model UN Conference for two consecutive years.

Lwin’s impact is not limited to local initiatives. She participated in a service trip to Prague, Czech Republic, where she worked with nonprofits focused on sustainable farming, homelessness and cooking for a shelter. Back at school, Lwin serves as a volunteer ambassador for on-campus events, guiding parents during back-to-school nights and more.

Her dedication to environmental causes is evident through her work with Windermere Prep’s Environmental Club, where she helped create a sustainable garden on campus and volunteers at local nature preserves. She is also active in walk-a-thons and other service initiatives, and contributes her time to the Orlando Science Center. Lwin’s impressive volunteer efforts and commitment to improving her community make her an inspiring example for her peers and a standout student at WPS.