Mayors' Awards to Youth

The Mayor's Youth Awards for the City of Kuna aim to honor remarkable young individuals who have exhibited strength of character by triumphing over challenges, rising above hardships, displaying empathy towards others, contributing and serving their community, and consistently exhibiting kindness and consideration for others.

Awards Ceremony:

May 19th, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

About

• Nominations are open from April 12 to April 26, 2023. 
• The awards are open to individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 who reside in the City of Kuna.
• Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders.
• The award categories include overcoming obstacles, demonstrating compassion, and serving the community.
• Recipients of the award will be recognized at a special ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Kuna in May.
• The Mayor's Youth Awards for the City of Kuna provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work that young people are doing to make a difference in their community.

2023 Awardees

Riley Volm

Riley Volm was nominated by Kuna High School Counselor, Heidi Beers. Heidi states that Riley’s young life has had some hardship but also transformation. Riley is confident and driven to succeed. In the tenth grade, Riley found a passion for computers. He saved up and was able to get his very own computer. He has had to overcome many obstacles but through his personal grit and dedication, he will graduate on time from Kuna High School. This fall, Riley is headed to the University of Idaho to study Cybersecurity. 

Ashley Petri

Ashley has worked hard all through middle school to overcome obstacles and be her best self. In sixth grade she struggled to work with peers and even be in class due to her extreme shyness. She worked hard to overcome her fears, which lead her to eventually leading peer groups and sharing information in front of entire classes. She is ending eighth grade strong, excelling in advanced classes, leading peer groups, and solving math problems on the board. Ashley shows great strength of character and perseverance. Not only is she a hard worker, she is also a kind person and a great friend. She greets everyone she sees with a bright smile and a positive attitude, and we know her future is bright.

Madison Passmore

Madison "Madi" is a passionate member of her FFA chapter with a strong love for agriculture and teaching. When a local teacher expressed a desire for FFA to do more for the Green Team at Kuna High School, Madi took it upon herself during her senior year to create "Green Thumbs," a program for the special education program that teaches different agricultural lessons once a month. Despite the challenges of getting approval and funding, Madi persevered, and even received donations from Dairy Gold and the Idaho Foundation. Her dedication to this program has made a positive impact. As she moves on to the University of Idaho, Madi hopes to find someone to continue this important work.

Delilah Ellsworth

Delilah is a 13-year-old girl who started her very own non-profit 501c3 charity to help the homeless when she was just 10 years old, called Delilah K’s Helping Hands. Her charity has since expanded to help anyone in need, including local families struggling around the holidays, fundraising to help a handicapped baby goat at Domnifarm, and selling flowers to raise money for Stanton Healthcare in Meridian which helps new moms. Delilah also enjoys doing "pay it forward" gestures, such as paying for a stranger's meal or coffee. Despite facing her own challenges, Delilah is always thinking of how she can help others. She is enrolled in K12 public charter school, plays volleyball, sings, and is a part of the American Heritage Girl Scout Troop where she mentors younger girls. Her family is very proud of her.