The Boulder Valley School District Board of Education held a regular meeting on January 14, 2025, where student volunteer efforts and community service initiatives were highlighted. One standout presentation came from Noah Carmelli, a student who shared his extensive involvement in community service over the past year.

Carmelli detailed his work with Community Future, where he organized volunteer efforts to rescue food from waste and distribute it to those in need. He reported that his group, alongside other volunteers, successfully saved approximately 12 tons of food daily, equating to the weight of 12 baby elephants. This initiative has contributed to rescuing around 20,000 pounds of food from landfills.

During his presentation, Carmelli emphasized the importance of leadership and collaboration. He coordinated volunteer schedules, communicated with the volunteer coordinator, and engaged fellow students from various schools to join the cause. His commitment to volunteering was evident as he consistently participated in the efforts, despite facing scheduling conflicts.

Carmelli also reflected on the lessons learned through his educational journey, highlighting the values of compassion, empathy, and community service instilled by his teachers. He noted that Community Food Share plays a crucial role in the local community, providing enough food for over 22,100 meals each day, primarily serving Boulder and Broomfield counties.

Looking ahead, Carmelli expressed his intention to continue volunteering and encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities. His presentation underscored the significant impact of student-led initiatives on community welfare and the importance of fostering a culture of service among youth. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the vital contributions made by students like Carmelli in addressing food insecurity in the community.