Student Spotlight: Alyssa Sweeney

Alyssa Sweeney is learning how the adult world works at an early age. At 16, the Riverview High School junior represents the youth perspective when she sits on the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Board of Directors as a full voting member.

Sweeney became involved with the Community Foundation after taking a 13-week course through Community Youth Development, which she now teaches.

Sweeney is also involved in Young Life, a non-denominational program for high- school students. She has participated in Relay for Life for seven years and has been a team captain for three years. Sweeney volunteers between 15 to 25 hours a week.

“It is a good thing to get involved in high school because it will help you throughout your whole life,” Sweeney says.