Cottonwood City Page

April 25, 2008, Verde Independent

Spotlight on Volunteers – Sarah Westover

Sarah Westover Was Born to Volunteer and Inspire

Sarah Westover, senior at Mingus Union High School and secretary of the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission, loves reading, photography, playing soccer, and spending time with her family. She is part of a big family with 12 children, and says something new is always happening. There is never a dull moment in the Westover household. She is excited to be graduating this year.  

Cottonwood Recreation Coordinator and youth leader for CYAC Jason Little says, “Sarah, is one of the most service-oriented individuals I have ever met. Her willingness to go the extra mile for the commission and her peers has truly been an inspiration to the commission and the teens of the community. Sarah truly cares, I always considered volunteerism a learned trait but in Sarah’s case I think it just came to her innately.” Jason says, “Sarah will be missed.”

How long have you lived in Cottonwood? 17, almost 18 years

Grade and school: 12^th- Mingus Union High School

Family information if you wish to share: I'm #10 out of 12 kids. My parents Bruce and Vicki Westover are awesome. Tarah, my younger brother Jordan and I, are the only kids left of the 12. I love spending time with my 21 nieces and nephews and my siblings that live away from home.

Share how you and Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission members have positively impacted the community through activities and service. I think the most thorough way we've impacted the community through our service is through those we've served. Throughout my life, my parents have raised us in being service oriented, and in many cases me, or my family have been the ones being served. There is nothing that makes me want to serve more than to see how it affects those we serve. Their gratitude and happiness makes it all worth it, and it makes you want to serve everyone around you.

What lesson or wisdom have you personally gained from participating in CYAC? Through serving as the Commissions secretary, I've learned how important it is to follow through and keep your end of what you say, and carrying that responsibility. Before I was in CYAC, I had no idea that we actually had a commission that planned and prepared things for the youth to do and I have grown to appreciate the difference in a community that is trying and working to make this a fun, safe place for youth to be and one that is not. I've learned how much we as youth really are interested in making decisions and having a say in what we and our peers want to do. I have also gained a huge respect and appreciation for those people we've had the opportunity to work with. In seeing that they are aware and appreciate the needs of the youth and they are acting on it. They have recognized that we are the future and we want to be heard and respected as much as anyone.

Please list your other volunteer activities. I volunteer at the Verde Valley Medical Center, I'm involved in service activities through my church, and the student council program at the school is another huge way we give our time and volunteer.

Explain why you feel the Cottonwood Recreation Center is important to the youth of the community: I truly believe that it will be the main place that kids will hang out. That's where they will want to be. It's a genius idea, and a brilliant move on the city’s part.

Did any event or person from your childhood create your desire to volunteer to serve your community? My older siblings have always been involved in service activities growing up, and they had fun doing it. To me, it just looked like good fun. Also in the way I've been taught both at home and through my church, I've had opportunities to serve.

What do we need to do to keep our young people living in the Cottonwood area, or what do we need so they will return after getting their education? Make it the best experience while they are here. Provide things that are fun and wholesome to do, memorable things, things they would want there kids to do someday, treat them with the respect they want and deserve and they will remember that.

What is your wish for Cottonwood in 10 years? More cultural activities, job opportunities, more parks, leadership opportunities for youth, a well developed recreation center (well on its way).

Do you have a favorite saying or quote? "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.”

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God…."

What are your hobbies, enjoyment, besides volunteerism and serving your community? I love reading, photography, playing soccer, and spending time with my family. I have a big family and something new is always happening; I love being involved in their lives.

What are your future plans? For now, I'm going to Scottsdale Community College to play soccer while working on pre-rex. I will then work on my nursing degree, then hopefully transfer to a university to earn my master’s and one day become a neonatal nurse practitioner. I'm so incredibly excited to graduate and take on life! J

If you could get every single community member to do just one thing, what would that be? Serve those around you. It makes them happier and you will be happier when you’re serving as well.

Is there anything else you wish to share? "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

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Cottonwood City Council members recognize the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the betterment of city government and the community. Spotlight on Volunteers is compiled by Mayor Diane Joens. There are many opportunities to volunteer and make a positive difference. Council members encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteer today!