Jefferson Awards: St. Marys youth volunteers 'because I care'
Mar. 10—ST. MARYS — Kera Dorsten is involved with so many in-school activities, after-school organizations and charitable endeavors, it makes one's head spin.
The daughter of Mark and Teresa Dorsten is a senior at St. Marys Memorial High School, where she carries a 4.7 grade point average. The National Honor Society member maintains a 4.0 GPA in dual enrollment classes at Wright State University-Lake Campus and is active in the Roughrider marching band, symphonic band, symphonic choir, jazz band and drama club. She is the treasurer of the Auglaize County Junior Fair Board and chairman of the rabbit department.
Dorsten is also an usher, women's fellowship secretary and choir member at Buckland United Church of Christ. In 2022 she spent a week volunteering at Back Bay Mission on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to improve the lives of others. She is also active with the Lima-based Family Promise organization, providing Christmas presents and meals for needy families around the holidays and throughout the year.
Dorsten averages more than 200 volunteer hours each month. It's easy to see why she was selected as a 2025 Jefferson Award for Public Service youth winner. Equally simplistic is Dorsten's response when asked why she chooses to so freely donate her time and talents.
"Because I care," the 17-year-old replied. "I want my life to have purpose, and I want to fulfil that purpose."
Part of her time at St. Marys is spent tutoring elementary school students "who have trouble learning and need a little extra guidance." Dorsten hopes to continue that path after graduation and intends to enroll at The Ohio State University-Lima to study special education or become an intervention specialist.
In the mean time, Dorsten admits she's "flying by the seat of my pants" as she travels life's path. A confident but unassuming young woman who doesn't take herself nearly as seriously as she does the charities with which she's involved, Dorsten leans heavily on her faith to guide her through life.
"My faith kind of steers me in the direction toward positivity," she said. "Just trust in God and trust life's process and hope you do the right thing."
She knew at an early age that helping others was her role.
"My love of volunteer work started when I was in fifth grade. Our church held a fundraiser for hurricane victims, and I started to understand that I can make a difference," she said.
Luann Eeverett nominated Dorsten for the Jefferson Award.
"Kera is the most amazing young lady I have had the privilege to know," Everett said. "She does not know a stranger, is willing to help anyone in need. Her kindness is overwhelming. If she sees a need, she will do whatever it takes to fill that need and to be a friend to anyone who may need someone."
Dorsten is humbled to be a Jefferson Award recipient, now that she knows the honor even exists.
"I wasn't aware of the award, but it's nice to know someone is watching," she said.
As a youth recipient of a Jefferson Award, Dorsten will receive a $250 donation to go to the charity of her choice.
The 2025 Jefferson Awards for Public Service committee has selected nine winners from throughout the region, including eight adult winners and one youth winner. They will be honored at a banquet March 25 at Veterans Memorial Civic Center in downtown Lima.
Read past Jefferson Awards profiles at LimaOhio.com/jeffersonawards.
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