Community Volunteer Awards

2022 Honoree

Kenyon Owens

Distinguished Teen Service

Kenyon Owens

Kenyon Owens is the kind of teenager who makes adults feel better about where the world is heading.

A Cordova High sophomore, Kenyon says his mother wanted him to do more than sit around the house all day, so he signed up to help at a community event – and loved it.

His volunteer journey began during COVID, when help was needed at the Rancho Cordova Food Locker. He raised his hand to volunteer, and he hasn’t stopped.

There was another food drive, and then he helped at two vaccination clinics hosted by the City of Rancho Cordova. He volunteered for the Fourth of July Celebration and the Community Christmas Tree Lighting. His favorite volunteer event was at Heartstoppers Haunted House.

He impressed Haunted House manager Chris Beckstaiger who said Kenyon is a natural leader, always willing to help, often without being asked, fun to be with and eager to learn everything he could. He volunteered at all 13 nights of the Haunted House run which equated to more than 80 hours, often after a long day at school. When the fun of the haunt was over, he returned to help pack away props and electronics, catching the attention of adults who marveled at his dedication.

“Kenyon is an exceptional, caring and compassionate young person who is community driven,” Chris told us. 

Lorianne Ulm from the City of Rancho Cordova observed the same characteristics. 

“Kenyon was willing and passionate about volunteering at our vaccination clinics,” she said. “Not only was he eager to volunteer, but he was also eager to take on tasks that required greater responsibility. Kenyon has a cheerful and friendly personality. We feel he is an inspiration to others.”

At school, Kenyon belongs to a club called Friday Night Live, an alcohol and drug awareness club that tries to keep both out of the hands of youth. He is also a member of the MACH program at Cordova High, which he credits with getting him started on his volunteering journey. He wouldn’t be here tonight without MACH, he told us.

Said Kenyon:

“I volunteer to be part of the community and be a change. I would much rather make a difference than be a bystander who watches their city from the sidelines.”

Kenyon, that is music to our ears, especially from someone so young.

Thank you for your service to your community, which is better for your efforts – you ARE the change! You also remind us that it’s never too early to get started. 

We can’t wait to see what you do next. Congratulations!