Hometown Hero: VIP Volunteer Zoya Ahmed

Sitting at Chumash Park during a July Concert in the Park, a petite 14-year old with auburn-streaked, long black hair explains how she got the sweet gig of spending her summer at concerts and movies with her two best friends, Graelin Young and Piper Tarnol.

"We put in our requests," said Ahmed. "I signed up for Concerts and Movies in the Park, so this is what I am doing all summer."

The three became close at the beginning of their freshman year at Oak Park High School, and Ahmed followed Young and Tarnol in to the Volunteers Inspire Progress program. 

Following a June orientation, she registered her preferences with Parks and Recreation, and got her first choice—community events. 

"Aren't they great?" said Director of Community Services Amy Jones-Brink, smiling at their mention. "We really enjoy them."

Ahmed said that she got her first taste of volunteering about a year ago through her mother, a nurse. It was a positive experience for her.

"She took me to a hospital, so I got to see [patients]," Ahmed recalled from a craft table in Chumash Park's Kid Zone.

Ahmed ran track in her freshman year at Oak Park High, but her main interest is in the arts. Last year, her elective was Drawing; in her sophomore year, she will pursue Ceramics. Future collaborations with Tarnol, who is also creative, are a possibility, Ahmed said.

For now, Ahmed is enjoying the opportunity to help along with her friends. "Next summer," she said, "I would definitely do it again."