Congratulations to Zoe Buzan - 2024 Shoreview Caring Youth Award winner! 

Mayor Sue Denkinger and the city council presented Zoe with the award at the November 7 volunteer appreciation dinner. 

As a sophomore at Mounds View High School, Zoe is using her love of nature, art, and education to give back to the community. Since 2022, Zoe has volunteered with the Silverwood Teen Arts Council and helped plan several teen events. She also serves as a Junior Assistant Naturalist at Tamarack Nature Center, where she volunteers over 30 hours per week to help run their summer camps. 

According to Seth Eberle, a volunteer liaison at Silverwood Park, Zoe is an invaluable asset to their team. He has seen her grow over the last two years and noted that she has an exceptional ability to listen thoughtfully, foster collaboration, and create an inclusive atmosphere where others feel encouraged to socialize and connect. 

Zoe credits her parents for getting started in volunteer work. They have helped her find organizations to volunteer with and are there to give advice when needed! 

In addition to volunteering at Silverwood and Tamarack, Zoe also works at Culver’s and Pine Tree Apple Orchard. She’s also worked on several theater productions at school. 
When asked what her favorite part of volunteering is, Zoe noted that it’s knowing that she can make an impact in others’ lives, especially younger kids. It is apparent that she has made lasting impressions through her volunteer work and is very deserving of this award.

There is no doubt that she will be successful in her future endeavors and will continue to contribute to both the Shoreview community and wherever her passions take her. 

This annual award, created by the Shoreview Human Rights Commission, honors the city’s outstanding youth. This year was especially hard to select a winner because the city had so many outstanding applicants.