When Jah'Niya Treadwell was younger, she stood in line at a food pantry with her mother, grateful for the groceries their family received.
Today, she's on the other side of that line.
At just 15, the teenager from Ypsilanti, Michigan, has spent approximately 550 hours volunteering, helping families access food and encouraging younger children to believe in themselves.
And she's only getting started.
From receiving help to giving it
Jah'Niya began volunteering in 2023 after learning that a local food pantry needed extra hands.
Her first assignment wasn't glamorous. She sorted fresh produce, packed bags, and prepared food for distribution.
Then she saw the cars waiting outside.
Hundreds of people needed help. The experience reminded her of the days when her own family relied on a pantry.
Instead of treating volunteering as a one-time activity, she kept returning.
Three years later, she's taken on greater responsibility, helping coordinate pantry operations and train new volunteers.
But her commitment doesn't stop with food.
As a junior coach with Girls on the Run Southeastern Michigan, Jah'Niya mentors younger girls, helping them build confidence, friendships, and healthy habits.
She also supports students through 826 Michigan, an organization that encourages young people to develop their writing skills.
One girl in her running group initially struggled to connect with others. Jah'Niya made an effort to include her, and gradually saw her become more comfortable participating.
It's a small moment, but exactly the kind of difference Jah'Niya hopes to make.
Her dedication earned her recognition as one of Washtenaw County's 2026 Young Citizens of the Year, an award accompanied by a $4,500 education scholarship.
She hopes to become a pediatrician someday.
