In May, Kate Mallory of the Regional Office of Education #26 attended the Macomb High School Awards Ceremony to present the annual McDonough County Youth Task Force Awards to two outstanding students who are making a difference in the community through service, leadership and hard work.
The McDonough County Youth Task Force is a subcommittee of the McDonough County Quality of Life Advisory Committee. The task force is a volunteer-driven group that believes in the power of education, community support and equal access to opportunities for all children and families in McDonough County. Each year, the group recognizes youth who have been nominated by members of the community for improving the quality of life in McDonough County through service to others.
Myles Kepple was nominated by Patricia Walton with Habitat for Humanity. Over Christmas break, Kepple stepped up to help with a difficult Habitat clean out project that many adults would have turned away from. Through hard work, determination, and an incredible work ethic, he helped complete the clean-up of a home that ultimately required three dumpsters of debris to be removed.
In addition to this service, Myles also works caring for horses and cleaning stalls while balancing the responsibilities of high school. His willingness to tackle difficult tasks and serve his community is an inspiration to others.
Reed Lytle was nominated by Derek Watts with WIU OPS. Reed is an outstanding example of leadership, dedication and community involvement.
A varsity athlete, swim team co-captain, member of MYLO, National Honor Society student, volunteer scorekeeper, and entrepreneur through his business “Lytle Chores and More,” Lytle consistently gives back to others while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
His commitment to serving those around him demonstrates the positive impact one young person can have on a community.
These awards are a reminder that there is so much good in the world and so much hope for the future through the young people in our community,” Mallory noted.
Myles Kepple
Reed Lytle
