Neighbors Junior Board

2025 Junior Board Applications

We are truly grateful for the overwhelming interest and the incredible number of applications we received for our Junior Board. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and share your passion with us.

Our team is currently reviewing all submissions, and we are inspired by the talent and enthusiasm of each applicant. We will be notifying all candidates of our decision by May 15th.

Thank you again for your interest and support!

 OUR MISSION

Edwardsville Neighbors Junior Board is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of philanthropists to become compassionate leaders in our community. Through service, fundraising, and advocacy, we empower young individuals to make a meaningful impact by supporting local families in need. By fostering a spirit of generosity and leadership, we create a lasting culture of giving that strengthens our community for generations to come.

  • Caroline

    JUNIOR BOARD PRESIDENT

    Caroline is an 11th-grade student at Edwardsville High School, where she is actively involved in student leadership and service. She serves on the Student Council and is the Volunteer Officer. She is a member of Key Club. Caroline volunteers with EHS Care Closet, teaches swim lessons, and tutors students in math and science.

    With Caroline’s creativity and passion, she helped come up with the idea for the Junior Board and helped turn it into a reality. Caroline plans to study pre-med in college, followed by medical school, with a dream of being a surgeon!

  • Gracie

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Gracie is a passionate and involved senior at Edwardsville High School. She is an active member of the EHS Drama Club, Bel Canto, Tri-M, and participates in both dance and choir.

    One of her favorite things about Edwardsville is watching the town grow with exciting new restaurants and attractions. She also loves being part of the Edwardsville High School community, where she appreciates the incredible teachers, students, clubs, and sports that make EHS special.

    Gracie’s dream is to pursue a career in musical theater. After high school, she plans to attend college to earn her BFA in musical theater, majoring in theater and performing arts. She is eager to continue developing her talents and following her passion for the stage!

  • LUCY

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Lucy is an 11th-grade student at Edwardsville High School with a passion for adventure and the outdoors. She loves to travel and ride horses and competes in trap shooting for the EHS Trap Club. As a dedicated member of the FFA Board, she takes pride in her role within the agricultural community. She also enjoys helping with planting and harvesting on her family farm. 

    One of Lucy’s favorite things about Edwardsville is the strong sense of community and how everyone comes together in times of need. Looking ahead, she dreams of becoming a Large Animal Veterinarian, combining her love for animals and agriculture into a meaningful career.

    Lucy has worked as an assistant at Heartland Veterinary Hospital since 2023.

  • Vishnu

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Vishnu is an 9th-grade student at Liberty Middle School with a passion for sports, music, and community service. He plays basketball and golf and enjoys collecting sports cards in his free time. A talented musician, he plays both the violin and piano. Vishnu is also a big fan of Taco Bell!

    One of his favorite things about living in Edwardsville is the many opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. Looking ahead, he dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and building something of his own in the future.

  • Sami

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Sami is a 6th-grade student at Woodland Elementary. She is a dedicated dance team member at Studio E Dance Studio, where she has met many friends!  In her free time, Sami enjoys going shopping with her mom and sister and making special memories together. One of her favorite things about Edwardsville is the friendly people, great restaurants, and fantastic shopping spots. When she grows up, Sami dreams of becoming a teacher.

  • turner

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Turner is a 7th-grade student at Lincoln Middle School. He loves playing baseball and basketball for the Little Tigers and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Turner is passionate about school and fishing, always looking for new adventures. He appreciates how great all the people are in Edwardsville and feels lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. His biggest dream is to become an MLB player when he grows up, and he works hard every day to make that dream a reality!

  • cora

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Cora is a fun and passionate 6th grader at Columbus Elementary. She plays competitive soccer and dreams of becoming a professional soccer player one day. When she's not on the field, she loves to swim, shop, and try new foods. One of her favorite things about living in Edwardsville is all the great restaurants and shopping spots. She also loves that her best friend lives close by, making every day more fun. Whether she's scoring goals or exploring new places to eat, Cora is always on the go, chasing her dreams and enjoying life!

  • Sally

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Sally is a junior at Edwardsville High School who brings energy and compassion to everything she does. She has a deep love for dancing, getting lost in a good book, and enjoying a relaxing yoga class. One of Sally’s favorite things about living in Edwardsville is the strong sense of community and connection she feels with those around her. Looking ahead, Sally dreams of a career in healthcare where she can make a real difference by helping people improve their everyday lives.

  • Sebastion

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Sebastion is a senior at Father McGivney Catholic High School where he serves as co-captain of the Drama Club and head editor of the McGivney newspaper. Passionate about storytelling and the arts, Sebastion also loves the vibrant community events in Edwardsville—especially the festivals at City Park like the Art Fair and Route 66 Festival. Looking ahead, his dream is to become an oncologist and one day open his own clinic, where he can provide care and hope to those facing cancer.

  • Paige

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Paige is a sophomore at Father McGivney Catholic High School with a big heart and a wide range of interests. She loves baking, playing softball, and performing in plays and musicals. Paige also serves as the president of her local 4-H club, where she enjoys leading and connecting with others. Her favorite thing about Edwardsville is how close-knit and friendly the community is. Inspired by a passion for helping others, Paige hopes to become a doctor in the future and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

  • Stella

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Stella is a sophomore at Edwardsville High School and a dedicated member of the competitive dance team at Studio E. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Passionate about giving back, Stella is an active volunteer and serves on the EHS Student Council. Her favorite thing about Edwardsville is the friendships she’s made and the way the community comes together to support one another in times of need. In the future, Stella plans to study law in college with the goal of becoming a lawyer—and eventually, a judge.

  • Lola

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Lola is a sophomore at Edwardsville High School and a proud member of the school’s tennis team. She loves the way Edwardsville brings people together through community events and celebrations. With a passion for caring for others, Lola dreams of becoming a labor and delivery nurse, helping families welcome new life into the world.

  • Emma

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Emma is a senior at Edwardsville High School with a heart for adventure and service. She enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, hiking, volunteering, and playing soccer. Emma’s favorite thing about Edwardsville is the amazing and supportive community she’s grown up in. Looking ahead, her dream is to create a home for adults with special needs—providing a safe, encouraging space where they can live as independently as possible and thrive.

  • Ben

    JUNIOR BOARD MEMBER

    Ben is an 11th-grade student at Edwardsville High School, where he is an active and dedicated student with a passion for service, leadership, and music. He serves as a co-service coordinator in Key Club and is a member of the student council. His involvement extends to various academic and extracurricular organizations, including the Healthcare Occupation Students of America (HOSA), Medical Explorers, Pickleball Club, the Unified Basketball and Flag Football teams, Spanish Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Additionally, he contributes to community service initiatives through the Edwardsville Care Closet and the Edwardsville Neighbors Junior Board.

    Beyond academics and service, Ben is a talented musician, playing the double bass in both the symphonic orchestra and jazz band.

    His favorite aspect of Edwardsville is its abundance of parks, green spaces, and extensive trail system, which create a beautiful and enjoyable environment for experiencing nature.

    With a strong interest in medicine, Ben aspires to become a pediatric oncologist, dedicating his future to helping children battling cancer.