High School Senior Honored For Volunteerism

HOWELL – Howell High School graduating senior Dakota Giordano has been recognized by the Howell Alliance for her four years of volunteer service to the community.

As a youth leader with the Howell Alliance, she’s worked on behind-the-scenes projects and community-facing events to advance substance use prevention and mental well-being. She’s also played a part in several trainings and youth conferences to increase her own education and ability to help others in need of support.

“[Dakota is] a dynamic young person committed to making the world a better place and helping those around her,” the Howell Alliance said. “Dakota always stepped up to help the Alliance with eagerness and a smile, no matter how early or late the hour of the event or how time consuming the task. Her dedication to positively impacting others is a personal passion stretching far beyond seeking recognition or meeting her requirements for National Honor Society volunteer service hours. It is a part of who she is as a person.”

In her role as a peer leader, Dakota recruited and oversaw other youth volunteers and offered her ideas and creativity to improve initiatives.

Dakota has become a role model to her community, as she’s always in attendance at local events like Trunk or Treat to chat with children about making good choices or to listen closely and sincerely to what they had to share.

“Dakota is quick to lend a helping hand and collaborate with others. Her positivity and kindness have made a difference in our school community, and I am sure Dakota will continue to do great things in college,” said Julie Adkins, Howell High School’s SADD advisor.

Howell High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is a club that empowers students to make proactive and prosocial choices in school and the community. Initially focusing on alcohol and substance use, SADD also promoted good decision-making and healthy life choices, including in their mission of mental health awareness, distracted driving, positive relationships, and academic and personal goal setting.

Dakota has served as the president of Howell High School’s SADD. Additionally, she’s served as the Howell Elks Antlers’ first vice president.

She has earned awards for her participation in state photography and design competitions as a member of Howell High School’s Student Technology Association and has also studied dance for 10 years.

After graduation, Dakota plans to attend Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in visual arts and graphic design.

Dakota explained how she will remain involved in the Howell Alliance during her visits home, especially at Howell Day and National Night Out soon approaching. She also noted how she’d like to get involved in volunteer substance use prevention initiatives at college and maybe start a club if one doesn’t already exist.

“The Howell Alliance wishes Dakota a bright future in college and beyond and extends great appreciation for all she has done for the Howell community,” the Howell Alliance said.

The Howell Alliance recently honored Dakota with a personalized plaque at the Township council meeting to recognize her dedication to the community.