Jan. 1 -- Indiana's electric cooperatives and their statewide magazine, Indiana Connection, recently honored five young Hoosiers in grades 5 to 8 who are making a difference in their communities. They received Youth Power and Hope Awards during the Indiana Electric Cooperatives annual meeting.
The recipients each received $500 to further their community service activities and will be featured in the February 2025 issue of Indiana Connection magazine.
Recipients of the 2024 Youth Power and Hope Awards included:
Cressa Kohrman, Saint Paul. Kohrman is a fifth-grader at North Decatur Elementary School. At only 8 years old, she and fellow Youth Power and Hope Awards winner Malarie Schoettmer began World Helping Squad. The squad has been involved in activities such as donating items to the Riley Toy Closet, donating clothes and other items to the fire department and police, donating baby and maternity supplies to mothers, providing warm clothing for veterans, and providing items for a local animal shelter. In addition, the squad fulfilled wishlists for a church's angel tree and delivered Dinner at Bedtime meals weekly for a month.
Kohrman has also hosted a bake sale for cancer patients. Funds raised last year helped a teacher undergoing treatments, with the rest donated to the Shelby County Cancer Association. Last year, the World Helping Squad focused on foster families by raising funds for foster kids and area school art programs and teachers. A monetary donation was also given to FireFly Family Alliance, specifically for local children in foster care.
(Previously reported in the Daily News) Malarie Schoettmer, Greensburg. Schoettmer is a fifth-grader at Seton Home Study School. Along with fellow award recipient Cressa Kohrman, she helped start the World Helping Squad. Through the squad, she has organized and participated in many community service projects to benefit her community.
In addition to her activities with the squad, Malarie is active in 4-H, where she has completed projects benefitting an animal shelter, fire department, food pantry, schools, parks, and fairgrounds. Last year, Malarie began volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul's thrift store. As a volunteer, she helps customers and has donated items to help raise funds. -- Information provided