Youth of the Year, Sawyer Keene, Leading with Vision, Dedication, and Compassion

Sawyer Keene from Cadillac High School - Networks Northwest

Meet Sawyer Keene, Youth of the Year from Cadillac High School, Networks Northwest.

Sawyer Keene’s journey from a dedicated student to a transformative leader within the JMG program at Cadillac High School is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference. Starting his involvement with JMG in 7th grade, Sawyer's passion and vision were crucial in launching JMG in his high school during his freshman year. As the inaugural president and current co-president, he has been a driving force behind JMG’s success, ensuring it thrives as 100% student-run under JMG specialist Laura Quist.

Sawyer has demonstrated remarkable leadership, consistently initiating, organizing, and executing projects. He prioritizes providing space and support for his peers to grow as leaders, fostering an inclusive environment where all opportunities are shared. His emotional maturity is evident in the way he begins JMG meetings, allowing peers to connect and relax before diving into their agenda.

In addition to his academic and extracurricular commitments, Sawyer works six days a week to save for college. As a sophomore, he and his specialist are already exploring financial aid, career options, and post-secondary opportunities, showcasing his proactive approach to his future.

Sawyer exemplifies the profound impact JMG can have on youth and the significant influence a dedicated member of JMG can have on their peers and the program. His story is one of resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In his Youth of the Year acceptance speech, Sawyer stated, “This is what I believe JMG is all about, handing as many people experiences to help build the life skills and knowledge that will lead them to the rest of their education and maybe even beyond that.”

Looking to the future, Sawyer is determined to continue his advocacy work and expand his outreach efforts, envisioning a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. We eagerly anticipate the unfolding of Sawyer’s future. Read his full acceptance speech, here.