'Truly exceptional': Central student recognized for volunteer efforts

Sep. 10—One Central High School student was honored Tuesday afternoon for her volunteerism around St. Joseph.

Nyliya Washington received the "Most Spirited Volunteer for 15" award through the Youth Volunteer Corps and Patrick Mahomes' 15 and the Mahomies Foundation.

The award recognizes positive leaders in volunteerism. The Patrick Mahomes' 15 and the Mahomies Foundation encourages youth to volunteer at least 15 hours in their community.

Washington was surprised during class, where tens of other students filled the room around her to celebrate.

"Feeling very good. I was very unexpected of this moment," she said.

Washington is known for her involvement in multiple volunteering efforts around the St. Joseph community. With the Youth Volunteer Corps, Washington has helped at Open Door Food Kitchen, Build and Quilt and becomes the most passionate recruiter for Motivational Mondays at the Museum Hill Apartments.

Washington makes it her mission to celebrate birthdays. Through the Youth Volunteer Corps, she created the "Birthday Bash," which provides monthly birthday celebrations for residents at Museum Hill.

"I love my birthday and I wanted to celebrate other people's birthday, just in case, like a simple little card to make their day," Washington said. " I hope it makes them feel very good knowing that somebody out there loves their birthday just as much as they do."

Washington was awarded with a glass plaque and a Super Bowl football autographed by Patrick Mahomes. She said she feels blessed to be recognized by such an influential person. She shared that her and her brothers are huge fans so she's excited to see their reaction to her new football.

Misty Coyle, program director for the Youth Volunteer Corps of St. Joseph, is responsible for nominating Washington for the award.

"She is a catalyst for positive change. Her ability to inspire, unite, and serve others is truly exceptional," Coyle said.

She sayid Washington joined the program just last year. Washington was a part of YVC for only about four months before she had the idea for the "Birthday Bash."

"We had a cooking project at the Open Door Food Kitchen and Nyliya took the time to talk to Katie and ask Katie, 'Hey, can we bake in this kitchen?'" said Coyle. "Katie goes, 'Can we bake? yeah, I bake all the time.'"

From there, Washington and others organized the donations needed to make cupcakes for the residents. Shortly after, Washington came up with the idea of making them cards as well. Coyle said she was very impressed with Washington's dedication, which is why she feels Washington is very deserving of the award.

"I was really, really hoping she would win because I mean, who takes their time just learning a program and four months and comes up with such an awesome idea like that?" Coyle said.

So far ,they've made over 3,400 cupcakes. She says the year-round "Birthday Bash" program is widely popular among the residents and clients at the Open Door Food Kitchen.

"For her to be able to share that joy with others, it just made my heart burst," Coyle said.

Despite Washington's dedication to others, she herself is a bit reserved. However, Coyle said she leads by example.

"When she does say something, it really does come from her heart and she truly has a real opinion about it. And that's one of the things I love about her," she said.

Coyle said Washingtons is always ready to help her friends. She described her as open-hearted.

"She doesn't have a mean bone in her body," said Coyle. "If you're a friend, great. If you're not, she still loves you because you're her neighbor."

After high school, Washington plans to become an animal caretaker for a zoo. However, that doesn't stop her volunteer work. Coyle said that Washington has already asked about the YVC alumni program for when she graduates.

"Everybody deserves a belonging in this world," Washington said. "(I hope they) feel beloved by just a little hello, hopefully (it) makes them feel very good."