Harriet Bishop Service Club receives national recognition for its impact

Harriet Bishop Elementary School’s Service Club was named a GOLD level honoree for the Anthem Awards in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: Community Engagement. The club was chosen from more than 2,000 applicants in 43 countries worldwide.

The Community Engagement category represents the best-in-class efforts to provide people with opportunities to engage their local communities on behalf of an important cause. It can include initiatives by grassroots leaders, community organizations, students, and other local initiatives.

Over the course of eight months, the Service Club donated thousands of items to 16 nonprofits, students completed more than 1,300 volunteer hours and led a citywide “Day of Service,” and more than 10,000 people were positively impacted by the group’s efforts.

The youth-led Service Club, whose motto is “Young But Powerful,” includes more than 70 students ages 5-11, a majority of whom come from immigrant or refugee families, speak multiple languages, and who qualify for federal food assistance.

Students meet twice per month to learn about local and global nonprofits and complete a hands-on project that directly helps those groups. In the process, students develop leadership and academic skills while using their time and talents to help others in need.

Burnsville High School junior and Harriet Bishop alum Meena Pothini is the co-founder of Service Club. Meena, along with her older brother Shrey, have worked countless hours behind the scenes organizing and doing research for the group's service projects. 

“Service Club lives by the belief that we are ‘Young But Powerful,’” said Harriet Bishop Principal Ken Essay. “Every project they take on reflects the strength that comes from unity, compassion and working together. When students from diverse backgrounds join in service, they not only uplift our community, but grow as leaders who understand that real power comes from helping and serving others.”  

Lauched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honor the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards provide a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. 

To learn more about the award and view the club’s acceptance speech, visit https://www.anthemawards.com/winners/list/entry/#!diversity-equity-inclusion-belonging/community-engagement/young-but-powerful-youth-service-club/2040/-1/620731.