Youth Spotlight: Sylvia Zvereff

11 minutes ago

3 min read

In just a little more than three years of participation with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, Oak Ridge High School sophomore Sylvia Zvereff has counted more than 409 service hours through Outreach Opportunities, After-School Committees, and her on-campus Hands4Hope Club.

She's been a regular at the monthly Mercy Creekview Senior Dinner for two years, and has participated twice a week for three years in MAPS Peer Mentorship, developing relationships with peers who have autism. She has also served on multiple after-school committees in leadership roles, including Volunteer Manager on Empty Bowls Committee, Marketing Chair and Clothing Management Chair on Winter Boutique Committee for two years, Marketing Chair on School Supply Committee for two years, Concessions Chair for Kids Zone Committee, and Treasurer for Ryan Christopher Hersh Scholarship Committee for two years. This year, she is also serving as her on-campus club's Treasurer.

“Sylvia is the kind of leader who makes an impact simply by being herself. Her bright smile makes everyone feel welcome, and she is always the first to step up, lend a hand, or jump in wherever she is needed. She leads with confidence, kindness, and a genuine passion for serving others. Sylvia doesn’t just participate. She leads by example and inspires those around her through how deeply she cares about the work she does and the difference she makes," says Sydnie Warner, Hands4Hope Education Program Coordinator and Sylvia's on-campus club staff mentor.

How have you changed since you began participating with Hands4Hope?

When I first joined Hands4Hope, I was very shy and would get nervous speaking in front of people I didn’t know. Over time, Hands4Hope pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me so many opportunities to meet new people, speak up, and take on leadership roles. Now, my confidence has grown so much and I feel comfortable sharing my ideas, talking to new people, and putting myself out there. I’ve grown from someone who would stay quiet in a group to someone who is excited to speak up and make a difference.

Kate (Kate Barba, Hands4Hope Special Events Program Coordinator) and Sydnie (Sydnie Warner, Education Program Coordinator) are both amazing adult mentors and I feel like they have both helped me grow in so many ways!

What is something you’ve done through Hands4Hope that you never expected to do?

I never expected to gain so many valuable leadership skills through the after-school committees.

Was there a moment when you realized that you were making a difference?

When I first started volunteering at Montessori Autism Programs & Services, Inc. (MAPS), none of the kids knew my name or recognized me. But after volunteering there for a while, I walked in one day and every kid in the group waved at me, said hi, or gave me a fist bump. It really stuck with me how excited they were to see me and how I had made a small but meaningful difference in their day. I loved being someone they could look forward to seeing, a friend to them, or even just someone for them to talk to. It also helped me realize I want to work with kids in the future.

What would you tell other young people who want to help their community?

I would say, “Join Hands4Hope ASAP!” Hands4Hope has made such a difference in my life and has opened the door to so many meaningful opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It has allowed me to meet amazing people, give back to my community, and grow in ways I never expected.

How do you see yourself being involved with Hands4Hope in the future?

I would love to continue participating in outreach events, the Oak Ridge School Club, and after-school committees. When I’m older, I would even love to come back and volunteer as an adult.