The EMpact One Foundation had the honor of recognizing their 2nd Quarter 2025 YES! Award Winners; Alyssa Hearn, Jude Turner, Zoe Howlett, and Sadie Shelton, with award sponsor Bryant Family Pharmacy! Each of these recipients is a young person doing amazing things right here in our community.
READ MORE BELOW
Alyssa Hearn is a selfless and driven 9th-grade student at Benton High School who is passionate about giving back and making a difference in her community. With a heart for service, Alyssa volunteers regularly—donating food and books to local pantries and Little Libraries, reading to preschoolers, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, and helping pack backpacks with food for children in need through the Crown Club and her school’s counselor’s office.
She’s also a proud Lisowe Lights Ambassador, Saline County 4-H member, and active participant in her church as part of the NLBC Youth and Praize Worship Team. Alyssa is currently working with the state police on the “Drug Take Back” program to help keep communities safe. Her peers and mentors describe her as giving, non-judgmental, and full of love. With aspirations to serve in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, Alyssa is already shining as a leader dedicated to creating a better world—one act of kindness at a time.
Jude Turner is a humble and committed young leader whose life reflects a deep calling to serve. A 9th grader at Benton, Jude is active in baseball, football, and bass fishing clubs, yet it’s his quiet strength and servant’s heart that truly set him apart. He led a youth breakout session at Amplify 2024, serves faithfully at Holland Chapel, and recently took his first international mission trip to Peru.
Jude has preached to the elderly at Mt. Carmel, assisted with his church’s food pantry, and continuously supports both his peers and his church community—always without seeking attention or recognition. Loyal, obedient, and full of compassion, Jude spreads hope and kindness in a world that desperately needs both. His life is a powerful example of what it means to walk humbly and serve selflessly.
Zoe Howlett is an inspiring 11-year-old entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who began her journey at just six years old. Out of a time of family hardship and homelessness, Zoe launched a lemonade stand that earned over $6,000 in its first month—enough to help her family move from homelessness to homeownership.
Zoe has since self-published two business workbooks for kids, launched children’s business fairs, and donated more than 6,000 books to children during the COVID-19 pandemic. A student at Gilmer’s Christian Micro Homeschool through Gilmer’s Learning Solutions, she also volunteers with The Village Place, acting at the Argenta Theater, and promoting financial literacy among youth.
Known for her creativity, kindness, and resilience, Zoe is a true changemaker. She’s passionate about teaching real-life skills, helping others, and encouraging her peers to dream big and make a difference.
Sadie Jai Shelton is a compassionate and dedicated young leader with a heart for serving others. Whether volunteering, mentoring, or supporting causes she believes in, Sadie consistently finds ways to make a meaningful impact. Her kindness, generosity, and drive to uplift those around her inspire others to do the same. A natural role model, she leads by example—using her time and talents to spread encouragement and positivity.
Currently a 6th grader at Benton Middle School, Sadie is active in the Benton Middle School Band (Trumpet), a competitive gymnast at The Gymnastics Academy at Empire, a state champion with Benton Parks Youth Wrestling (2025), and a member of the Sharon Baptist Church Youth Group. She previously trained with Leah’s Gymnastics Team.
Sadie’s peers describe her as kind-hearted, dedicated, and driven—qualities that shine through in everything she does. Her quiet leadership and servant’s heart make her a powerful force for good in her community.
READ MORE BELOW
Congratulations, Alyssa, Jude, Zoe, and Sadie, and thank you for making an EMpact in your community!
If you know a young person deserving of this award please nominate them for this quarterly recognition at https://forms.gle/CUKYvrNeh5FawRG79#EmpactOneFoundation
The Mission of The EMpact One Foundation is to transform the way youth impact the world. www.empactone.org
