“I’ve always enjoyed doing community service and helping others because it’s my way of giving back to the people who have given me so much.”
Grade: Senior in Omaha, Nebraska
History with Roots & Shoots: Two years with Roots & Shoots
Roots & Shoots Group: Joy of Music
Melody is a senior from Omaha, Nebraska. This is her first year on the National Youth Leadership Council. Melody’s favorite Roots & Shoots project is performing music with her group at retirement homes, which brings all forms of music to the elderly and provides mentorship to younger musicians. Throughout this past year, Melody’s Roots & Shoots group has risen to the challenge of COVID-19 by switching to virtual performances and sending along greeting cards even though they can’t physically be present. She is passionate about community service and in addition to her work with Roots & Shoots, she volunteers as a peer tutor and at Camp Munroe, where she buddies with children and adults with disabilities and do activities such as cooking, art, and swimming. When she’s not volunteering, Melody can be found leading her school’s Quizbowl Club, practicing the cello and piano with her school’s orchestra, and baking.
