Teen Board
Apply NowThe NeighborUp Teen board exists to uphold the mission and values of NeighborUp ministries by serving as ambassadors and volunteers of the organization while also fostering leadership development among its members.
Teen Board members are selected from submitted applications in the summer, and the program runs from September – May each year.
Throughout their term, Teen Board members participate in NeighborUp community events, attend monthly meetings, work on impactful programs, plan a capstone project, and receive leadership training.
Important Dates
- Applications for 2025-2026 are open and are due July 25.
2025-2026 Monthly Leadership Meetings
All meetings are held at NeighborUp from 7:00-9:00pm.
- September 6
- October 11
- November 1
- December 13
- January 10
- February 7
- March 7
- April 18
- May 17 (Sunday afternoon)
Other upcoming events:
- April-May: Teen Board Summer Stock-up Food Drive
- Applications are open to all rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students.
- The application due date is July 25.
- Application results will be communicated by August 24.
If you are selected as a member of the 2025-2026 Teen Board, please complete the following:
- Attend the first leadership meeting on September 6 from 7:00-9:00pm.
- Bring a signed copy of the Teen Board By-Laws to the first leadership meeting. By-laws must be signed by both the member and their parent/guardian.
Teen Board Member Requirements
- Minimum of 18 volunteer hours with NeighborUp throughout the length of the program
- Attend all monthly leadership meetings and any mandatory Teen Board events
- Participate in the Teen Board capstone project
- Uphold the values of NeighborUp, including compassion and dignity
- A full list of requirements and expectations can be found in the Teen Board By-Laws
Kaelyn Miller
Board Chair, Green Level High School
Sara Eck
Vice Board Chair, Thales Academy
Ella Kate Bovenizer
Secretary, Cary Christian Academy
Riley Boyer
Communications Chair, Green Hope High School
Isabella Hope
Board Governance Chair, Panther Creek High School
Carter Best
Board Chair Elect, Apex Friendship High School
Board Advisors
Leigh Ann Miller, VP of Philanthropy
Kellie Huffman
2024-2025 Kick Off
The NeighborUp Teen Board kicked off in September for the very first time with the 2024-2025 cohort. This group of high school students submitted applications and were selected for their desire to serve as ambassadors and volunteers of NeighborUp. Their first monthly board meeting was held in the NeighborUp Workforce Development Center and was a huge success!
NC Courage Food Drive
The NeighborUp Teen Board Executive Committee hosted a food drive at an NC Courage game. They collected cash and food donations for the NeighborUp Pantry and helped spread awareness about NeighborUp’s programs and services.
Morrisville Rotary Club
The Executive Committee of the NeighborUp Teen Board was invited to present at the Morrisville Rotary Club. The team created a presentation on the board’s creation, mission and goals. They worked together to present to this group of local business and community leaders.
Love Your Neighbor
The NeighborUp Teen Board participated in the NeighborUp Love Your Neighbor Campaign by spreading love to staff. They collected candy, created packages, and wrote notes of encouragement to the NeighborUp staff, who work hard every day to meet the needs of our community.
Award Winners
The NeighborUp Teen Board Executive Committee won the 2024 Young Philanthropist of the Year award from the Triangle Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. They won this award for their hard work, dedication, and creation of the NeighborUp Teen Board! Congratulations to this team on well-deserved recognition!
Play Packs
The NeighborUp Teen Board created Play Pack Kits for the NeighborUp Community Support team. These are activity kits that children can use when their family comes to NeighborUp for a case management meeting. These kits help keep children safely occupied during these important discussions. The Teen Board created a plan for creating the kids with age-appropriate toys, games, and books. Items were collected and packaged by the Teen Board and distributed to the Community Support staff.
Ellery Huffman
Board Chair, Green Level High School
Katie Biddle
Vice Board Chair, Green Hope High School
Patrick Dezendorf
Secretary, Cary High School
Kaelyn Miller
Board Governance Chair, Green Level High School
Sara Eck
Communications Chair, Thales Academy
Mary Austin Andrews
Executive Intern, Roanoke College