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Today we introduce you to Justus Wilhoit, who has lived up to the meaning of “living united” through his leadership as president of the United Way of Kenosha County sponsored Youth As Resources (YAR) board.
This past spring, Justus graduated from Indian Trail's Communications Academy. For the past three years, he served on the YAR board, serving as secretary for two years and as president for one. In addition to leading YAR as its president, Justus’s favorite moments from his experience included building the Shalom Center Pavillion, the induction of new members in May as well as the senior send-off. In looking back on his high school experience, Justus Wilhoit notes Youth As Resources as one driving force behind his success.
“Without YAR, I would not be as successful as I am. When you’re in that kind of collaborative environment, you have to speak up," says Justus, and speaking up is definitely something Justus is passionate about. One reason why he is passionate about sharing his voice is due to the constant inflow of misinformation. "How did we let this happen," asks Justus, "and how can we prevent it?"
Justus' future looks bright as he heads to Princeton to study journalism and public policy. At the intersection between New York and Philadelphia, Justus will be working to further his education as he pursues a career as a professional journalist. In addition to wanting to use his voice, and his writing, to speak up, he also finds comfort in how writing can create shared experiences and take you anywhere in the world. As he heads off, he leaves some advice to any student who may want to join YAR, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t feel rushed. You are not alone. Enjoy the experience. Make friends. Live your life.”
When it comes to YAR, Justus is very proud of the program's progress in regards to having more representation on the board. As Justus points out, however, while there has been good progress, there is always room for more. Justus encourages old and new students to come together and connect via YAR, as well as find ways to make the outreach/recruitment process even more inclusive.
One of the numerous lessons he's learned from his experience in YAR is how to set personal and professional boundaries and to feel encouraged to ask questions and, when it really matters, not take "No" for an answer. Justus feels that this lesson is something all students should take away from his experience.
In a world full of stress and constant change, Justus compares life to a beautiful fire made up of all the things you enjoy and all the people in your corner — your family, your friends and yourself. While it’s burning, you might as well enjoy it and make s’mores!
As of May 9th 2022, United Way of Kenosha County funded 14 youth-led service projects in conjunction with YAR and in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Madison-Division of Extension. In total, roughly five thousand dollars was awarded across these service projects, which include various elementary and middle schools, clean-up programs, and programs that provided children with clothing and blankets — and that's only a little sampling of what that YAR does. One of YAR's many successes, according to Justus, is its connections to and relationships with other organizations, including Bristol 4-H and other youth groups.
We at United Way are very grateful to Justus and the work he has done here in Kenosha to further YAR and the many youth-led service projects. After Princeton, it is his dream to go into broadcasting, where he could host his own show, and one day, win an Emmy. We are eager to follow the impact he makes on the East Coast!
Our vision: a community where all individuals and families in Kenosha County achieve their human potential through education, income, and healthy lives.
YAR consists of nine high school members and three adult members, with every executive officer position filled by student members. The program fosters complete youth involvement, including not only leading the approved service projects, but also reviewing and allocating grant funds. Thank you to all Youth Are Resources members who help bring our vision to life!
For more information on Youth As Resources and how to get involved, please visit Youth As Resources – Extension Kenosha County (wisc.edu).