Teen sees rewards of volunteering Preble High student Nikki Miszkiewicz (photo by H. Marc Larson). By Ben Pett News-Chronicle At age 17, Nicole Miszkiewicz already has given quite a few years of her life back to the community, all while completing her studies and doing all those other things teenagers do. Miszkiewicz believes volunteerism brings back the true meaning of community to the places we live. "My mother always told me that when you give to your community, you get so much back in return," said Miszkiewicz. "I'm a firm believer in that because I've seen how much better things have gotten with the accomplishments of all the volunteers, who are really motivated and dedicated." Having worn a number of hats on various levels, Miszkiewicz truly has been a first-hand witness to the efforts. In the last few years, Miszkiewicz has taken an active role in raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, especially with younger children. Her commitment to the cause offered her the opportunity to serve with F.A.C.T. (Fighting Against Corporate Tobacco) and the American Legacy Foundation's youth advisory board on the national level. It was the first time American Legacy Foundation had assembled a youth board, with 11 youth volunteers from all over the nation giving perspective on community activity ideas, grants and research. Miszkiewicz received an application from the local board advisor along with a recommendation. The foundation flew her to Maryland for an interview and, after a month to deliberate, selected her as a board member. "It was a tremendous honor to get the nomination," said Miszkiewicz. "The experience with the selection and serving on the board as vice chair has given me a deeper perspective of leadership, organization and appreciation for what I do." Miszkiewicz currently serves as one of the coordinators for National Youth Service Weekend, taking place on April 11-13. "We're doing things just a little different this year," said Miszkiewicz. "We wanted to not only raise awareness for the event but also involve more youth and show them more of what the event is for and what we do." The community awareness campaign will kick off on Monday with a rally at the De Pere Community Center, featuring live music and refreshments. The rest of the week will consist of visits to area schools, teaching youth about literacy, marketable skills, health tips and mentoring. Then on Friday, students from Bay Port High School will begin working on a mural with themes of patriotism, working on it during weekends until completion. "This will be weather permitting, of course," Miszkiewicz said with a smile. "It's Wisconsin weather, so you never know for sure. But as soon as we can get out there, we're looking forward to it." With all this experience, the future looks bright for Miszkiewicz and the community she serves. So what's in store as Nicole graduates? "I'm going to UW-Green Bay for elementary education," she said, "possibly with a Spanish minor. I'll still be doing plenty of volunteer work both on campus and in town. Most of all, I really enjoy just seeing the children's faces light up from the things they learn and the fun they have growing up. It can be so inspiring and encouraging as they carry on what we've done in our community." Right now, the Brown County Youth Volunteers has open opportunities in all facets of their operation, such as providing information on their activities, planning meetings and helping out with upcoming community events. "More help for National Youth Service Weekend would be wonderful," said youth board advisor Andrea Schultz. "Last year, we had approximately 600 youth show up and give a hand, which was fantastic and really makes me enthusiastic about this year. Other events such as the Green Bay Marathon could use helpers, too, from setting up booths to getting word out and cheering the runners." For more information on making donations or volunteering with the Brown County Youth Service Board, contact Andrea Schultz at 429-9445. "Givers," a weekly spotlight on the volunteers who make Northeast Wisconsin a special place to live, is a partnershipof The Green Bay News-Chronicle and the Volunteer Center of Brown County. The center has more than 3,000 volunteer opportunities available through more than 150 community agencies. To learn more, call the center at 1-800-865-8683 (1-800-VOLUNTEER).