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2020 Young Citizen of the Year
This Westie is awarded to a high school student in the Westlake area who has contributed time, energy, and heart to both their school community and the Westlake community at large. It is in recognition of their outstanding contributions through community service activities that have made them an inspirational role model for other students in the Westlake community.
Finalist: Brooks Jeffers, Westlake High School Senior
Brooks’ passion for others became evident in 2014 when he and his friend started “Shoot On Cancer”, a co-ed fiddlestick lacrosse tournament to raise money in honor of his coach’s daughter, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. They continued the annual tournament to, ultimately raising over $20,000 to help find a cure for cancer. Brooks has completed hundreds of volunteer hours over his 12 years in scouting and eventually earned the honor of Eagle Scout. Brooks understands the importance of home, and this is why he chose Community First Village for his Eagle Scout Project. Brooks has followed his calling to the border towns of Mexico, where he has helped build four homes in poverty-stricken Reynosa. He was scheduled to help build 2 more in 2020 but sadly his trip was canceled due to the pandemic. Brooks was a member of the 2019 Westlake State Championship football team and is a four-year letterman in the Westlake Lacrosse program where he currently serves as team captain. Brooks is planning to continue his education and lacrosse career at The United States Air Force Academy.
Finalist: Kenyon McMichael, Westlake High School Senior
Kenyon’s calling for community service & leadership began early in her life through Girl Scouts & her church. A Texas move, in 2017, allowed this to continue by joining the National Charity League Austin Chapter. Elected as VP & current President, her roles provided her the discovery of Austin & its unique community needs. Covid-19 didn’t stop her from seeking out & working closely with 13 different organizations which led her to earn the Modelette Award & President's Volunteer Service Award. Mobile Loaves, & Fishes, Partnerships for Children and ATX Neighbor to Neighbor are just a few of her favorites. When her employment was shut down, she created her graphic design business: Editz By Kenyon. Kenyon can often be heard sharing her experiences & encouraging her peers to jump in & help. Kenyon's compassion & drive for service will continue & benefit the Texas A&M community, where she will be studying at the Mays School of Business.
Finalist: The Jackson Triplets, Westlake High School Senior
Throughout the last year, George, Simone and Sorelle Jackson founded and developed two organizations that have helped our Westlake and local communities through this pandemic. First, they created and developed Covid Care Packs for the homeless because they knew that the homeless were suffering with sanitation and staying healthy during Covid-19. For this organization, they coordinated a successful fundraiser and raised over $1,000, which allowed them to hand out over 200 care packs to the homeless. The care packs included a bottle of water, 2 pairs of medical gloves, a hand sanitizer, and 2 face masks. Second, Skyline Cares is an organization the Jackson triplets co-created and supported that strives not only to help our Skyline volleyball families, but also our local community. Through Skyline Cares, the siblings were able to take on roles in the organization that gave them opportunities to support local nursing homes, Central Texas Area Food Bank, local teachers, Williamson County Animal Center, and many other areas in our community.
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