Izzy Sutton wins the HSHV 2021 Humane Youth Award; Oreen Morag is first runner up
Two AAPS students are among the three winners of the annual Humane Youth Awards by the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV).
The Humane Youth Award honors young people who have both personally and through the inspired efforts of others, raised awareness for and helped create a more peaceful life for people, animals, and the environment.
“We’re so grateful for these three young people,” says Karen Patterson, vice president of Volunteers and Humane Education at HSHV. “Their love of animals certainly runs deep, but that’s only part of the equation. Their compassion and care make the world better for both humans and animals, and we’re honored to recognize their devotion and excellent work.”
Isabel Sutton, an eighth grader at Slauson Middle School, is the winner of HSHV’s 2021 Humane Youth Award. In addition to volunteering her time to help cats at HSHV, she also runs her own fundraising enterprise that raises money for local animal welfare organizations. To date, Isabel has successfully fundraised for Starry Skies Equine Rescue, The Bird Center of Washtenaw County, and a feral cat rescue. She has also volunteered to do frog habitat monitoring with Ann Arbor’s NAP.
“I volunteer and fundraise in a variety of ways because animals and the environment are very important to me,” says Izzy. “By fundraising for local nonprofits with my justIZZY business I can promote local animal rescues while raising money for them. I volunteer at HSHV because I love spending time with animals and learning about how rescues make such a difference in our community. Getting involved in these ways has been inspiring and life-changing.”
Oreen Morag, a senior at Huron High School, is the Humane Youth Award first runner up. As a junior volunteer at HSHV, Oreen has spent more than 60 hours comforting and making enrichment for the homeless dogs at HSHV. After a school project prompted Oreen to research how to make safe and durable dog toys at home, she decided to produce and sell the toys; the sale profits were donated to HSHV. Additionally, after learning about the concerning decline in bee populations, Oreen helped her family to plant a pollinator-friendly garden in their yard.
“I volunteer at the Humane Society of Huron Valley because of my love for animals,” she says, “and for the opportunity to help give back to my community—whether that be comforting dogs or helping someone find their perfect pet.”
Sydney Bennett, 12, of Canton, is the 2nd runner up for the Humane Youth Award. Sydney started as a junior volunteer at HSHV in May 2021 and has completed 60 hours of volunteer service.
Be the first to comment