ENCINITAS — Fourteen-year-old high school athlete Quade Kelley has been nationally recognized for his hundreds of hours dedicated to volunteer service, personal growth and athletics.
Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz presented Kelley with the congressional award in recognition of his volunteerism, character development and fitness on April 9 as well as a bronze medal, which he earned from Congress in October last year after completing 718 hours dedicated to community service, personal growth and athletics.
Between October 2022 and September 2023, Kelley completed over 300 service hours in youth sports, leadership development, civic engagement and free reading programming. After Kranz appointed Kelley to the 2022-23 Encinitas Youth Commission, Kelley actively served on ad hoc committees for youth health initiatives and environmental stewardship, where he earned a portion of these hours.
“I have been impressed since receiving Quade’s application to the Encinitas Youth Commission with just how energetic he is and the work he is doing to better himself and our community,” Kranz said.
Kelley also received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal in February 2023 for his service with the Magdalena Ecke YMCA Leadership in Training summer program.
“Quade demonstrates the values and principles of this award every single day,” said Dr. Sally Zoll, Kelley’s congressional award advisor. “I have no doubt that one day he will be eligible for the lifetime achievement award due to his continued dedication to improving the community through volunteerism.”
Kelley’s exceptional volunteer service in these programs has made him stand out as one of the youngest youth leaders in the country to receive recognition as a high school freshman.
“I have learned that everybody can make a difference through volunteering,” Kelley said. “Organized service provides a framework for kids to discover their personal legend. It is a real-life social network that taught me the importance of communication, problem-solving, hard work, advocacy and kindness. Above all, I have learned that real service is not just something you do – it becomes a part of your identity. I am grateful for that.”
Kelley’s commitment to volunteerism embodies the spirit of National Volunteer Month. His dedication to community and personal growth exhibits the positive impact one individual can make and represents the potential of youth leadership.
