Two Greeley high school students received the 2022 National Youth Service Day Awards (NYSDA) presented by Mayor John Gates at the Greeley City Council meeting Tuesday, April 19, in City Center South. Ruth Davila and Alexis Tapia were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional community service in the Greeley area.

Davila and Tapia were nominated by school faculty members and selected from the nominations received by the Greeley Youth Commission.

Ruth Davila, senior, Jefferson High School

Ruth Davila, a high school senior, was nominated by Jefferson High School faculty member Trish Thompson. Thompson stated Davila “is always looking for ways to help others and better her community. Her love for helping others and volunteering has even led her to work for the Rodarte Community Center to help the youth in our community and to want to become a teacher to further her positive impact on the community.” Davila has given her time and support to numerous non-profit organizations in Greeley. “On top of dedicating countless hours to the community starting at age 5 or 6, Ruth has also graduated from high school a full semester early,” Thompson stated in her nomination letter.

 Alexis Tapia, senior, Greeley Central High School

Alexis Tapia is the student body president at Greeley Central High School and was nominated by a faculty member, Miranda Ochoa, for her extensive volunteer efforts. Ochoa was quoted as stating “She embodies the truest qualities of a positive role model at home, school, and in her community. She inspires others to engage in and out of the classroom, on and off the field. Her compassion and contagious positivity make her an amazing leader in all areas. She takes all of her roles seriously and gives 110% so that she can be there for her teammates, peers, and community.”

Awards Ceremony
A reception was held with award winners at 5:15 p.m. on April 19, before the City Council meeting in Council Chambers. A commemorative plaque was presented to each individual recognized by the Greeley Youth Commission at the council meeting at 6 p.m.

About NYSDA
National Youth Services Day Awards are designed to broaden national, regional, and local recognition of the power of youth service. The purpose of this day is to reinforce to young Americans the importance of helping others. The Greeley Youth Commission accepts nominations from teachers, school counselors, and the public on an annual basis for outstanding community service.


Release Date:
April 22, 2022