Cottonwood City Page

February 29, 2008 Verde Independent

Spotlight on Volunteers – Tarah Rachael Westover

Dreaming Big, Tarah Westover leads community volunteerism

Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission Member Tarah Westover says she loves being a twin to Sarah, and part of a large family of 12 children. This Mingus Union High School senior also enjoys serving her community by helping CYAC provide fun, wholesome and clean activities for youth.

Cottonwood Recreation Coordinator Jason Little says, “Tarah’s influence on the City of Cottonwood’s Youth Advisory Commission has been immeasurable. Tarah’s bravado and leadership skills have greatly influenced the commission to live up to their mantra of “Dreaming Big.” It has been a pleasure to work with Tarah in CYAC. Her talents, “hands on approach” and energy will undoubtedly be missed when she graduates.”

How long have you lived in Cottonwood? I've lived here for the 17 years I have been alive. :)

Grade and school:  12th Grade, attending Mingus Union High School 

Family information if you wish to share: I am a twin (which I love), the 11th child in my family of 12. I have five older sisters and five older brothers and a little brother four years younger than I. My parents and siblings are awesome examples to me. I love spending time with the almost 22 nieces and nephews that I have. Big families are awesome! 

Share how you and Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission members have positively impacted the community through activities and service.  I think that in a lot of ways people in the community see us out in the community serving and are just impressed with the fact that we are spending out time doing what CYAC does for the community. We are evidence that you can have fun and do so participating in wholesome, clean activities, which is a big thing our community is in need of.

What lesson or wisdom have you personally gained from participating in CYAC? I think that simply serving my community has been beneficial to me. There is more fun in it then most people see, and if you serve with a willing, submissive attitude then you get so much out of it and you also see the gratitude that is shown in return for your service. I love it! It's wonderful.

Please list your other volunteer activities. I volunteer at the Verde Valley Medical Center, and also participate in quite a bit of volunteering through my LDS church. Also, the clubs I am involved in at school that I have the opportunity to volunteer in my community are National Honor Society, Student Council, and of course CYAC.  

Explain why you feel the Cottonwood Recreation Center is important to the youth of the community: It is simple. It gives kids something fun to do. It is an option that is there and open for them to do and once they go, they will enjoy themselves and I think make it a regular activity. 

Did any event or person from your childhood create your desire to volunteer to serve your community? My parents have taught me to serve and to be involved in my community and the examples from my older siblings have also helped.   

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? I think it just needs to have that reputation of..."Yeah, that’s where I grew up." Some place that we will have a desire to visit, and for it to become that way I think that some additions such as a movie theatre, ice skating rink, the Rec Center and others will help…some things that they can do.  

What is your wish for Cottonwood in 10 years? I hope that there is some growth but I am also hopeful that it doesn't grow too much because I love Cottonwood and something I love most about it is that it is small. I hope that there is more participation from the youth in the city. 

Do you have a favorite saying or quote?  There are quite a few quotes that stand out to me, but the following are a few of my favorites:  "The purpose of any human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved." -Kurt Vonnegut- "May I live simply that others may simply live." -Ghandi-  

What are your hobbies, enjoyment, besides volunteerism and serving your community? I love playing soccer and any other sports. I also enjoy being with my family, playing piano, and I love doing pencil drawings and taking photographs. I also enjoy reading—if it’s for my pleasure.

What are your future plans?  I plan to go to college somewhere outside of Cottonwood and play soccer wherever I go, while I study to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. I also plan on traveling the world every chance I get! 

If you could get every single community member to do just one thing, what would that be? I think if they did exactly what Kurt Vonnegut says in his quote that I quoted above, there would be a very distinct difference in the world we live in.

Is there anything else you wish to share? I have loved working with CYAC, Diane Joens, and Jason Little. I wish them all luck in their future endeavors.

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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!