Our Rising Stars program recognizes outstanding young people in our community who are ALREADY serving their communities in fun & creative ways – and who are ALREADY accomplishing GREAT things while volunteering or working in clubs or organizations while they’re still just KIDS. We want to pinpoint these kids and make sure they realize how proud we are of them and how excited we are to see the world grow in their hands.
Finalists will receive a $1,000 grant from Mix 107.9 and a college savings award from Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage.
Meet our 2023 Class of Rising Stars!
Reese Philipsen
At the age of 15, Reese Philipsen is incredibly gifted in music and graphic design. In the spring of 2021 Reese composed an original piece for her school orchestra. The orchestra performed the piece at their end of the year concert. Reese also created original graphic designs for businesses and non-profit groups. Reese has maintained a 4.0 GPA through her busy schedule.
Landry Lee
Landry Lee is a senior at Hilliard Darby High School and has served as Class President for all four years in high school. Landry is in his second year as Captain of the wrestling team, a marching band section leader, plays men’s volleyball and is an Eagle Scout. Landry has volunteered 600 hours at COSI prior to the pandemic. He also serves with the Hilliard Kiwanis project of Feeding Hilliard Students, packing weekend food packs and organizing the food pantry at his school.
Ashley Welsheimer
Ashley Welsheimer is a junior at Marburn Academy and has a heart for people and animals. Ashley serves during the summer break at the Columbus Dream Center. She is part of a team that provides meals and coffee to the homeless and under served populations. In the winter time, she can be found driving around with her dad delivering sandwiches, socks, gloves and more to those she sees standing along roadsides.
Varsha Banumukkala
Ever since she was in the eighth grade, Varsha Banumukkala has been passionate about volunteering throughout her community. She began volunteering at the Delaware Library and the Columbus Zoo, then in High School, Varsha was selected to be apart of the Powell Youth Council. She volunteered for various causes through the PYC and went to many city hall meetings to voice her opinions on the city as a student. Varsha and her friends eventually made a club called “Girls Supporting Girls.” Their goal was to volunteer for organizations run by women, fundraise and donate to the less fortunate, and inspire other kids and show them that they can spark a change in society, too.
Kaylin and Gavin Hammond
Kaylin and Gavin Hammond might be young, but they are mighty! Kaylin is in the third grade and Gavin is in kindergarten in Hilliard. The two wanted to host a lemonade stand, but then had the idea for a hot chocolate stand. 100% of the money they collected went towards creating care packages for the homeless. They went to downtown Columbus and passed out the care packages in December. The packages included a reusable water bottle, hygiene kits, first aid kits, socks, food, and more.
