Carrie Johnson discovers a need and thinks it is important that a solution be found. That was the process she worked through when she coordinated the Adopt-a-Grandparent Program at both Avera Centers - Yankton Care and Sister James Care. Last summer Johnson worked with the Majestic Bluffs Activity Director in the Alzheimer's Unit. She noticed that some of the residents lacked visitors. She wanted to visit more of the residents but there just was not enough time. After talking to fellow Yankton High School Students, the project turned into a program with 108 students signing up to visit their "adopted grandparents".

Johnson is also helping fellow students as a Peer Tutor. She goes to the school library and tutors any student that needs a boost with their studies. She has also tutored at the Alternative Learning School at the High School tutoring juniors and seniors. When the Gift Givers are planning, shopping, and wrapping gifts in December, Johnson is also there sharing her time and energy to make the holidays brighter for others.

Student government involvement has honed her leadership skills. Throughout high school, Johnson has held a position on the Student Council. She has served as a Represent-ative, Secretary and President. She is currently the James River Student Council Region President and will attend - for the fourth year - the State Student Council meeting in March. Last summer Johnson had the privilege of attending the National Student Council in Las Vegas. She applied her leadership skills when elected as Federalist Governor at Girl State last spring and working in local, state and national political events.

Participating in a mission trip to Haiti mid-February has required careful planning. Her personal packing is extremely limited because of the clothing gathered when she assisted the High School Student Council in a drive for the people she will be helping. The students made posters and sent emails for the clothing appeal and then awarded prizes to the homerooms that donated the most clothing. Besides delivering clothing, Johnson, her sister and father will be laying concrete, building school desks and helping at a hospital.

Volunteering is not a new venture for Carrie Johnson. She has served at the Banquet, assisted with Greater Yankton Gifts, volunteered at the Women's/Children's Shelter and participated in a mission trip to Crow Creek. Johnson also participated in a brainstorming group for the community holiday program Greater Yankton Gifts.

Carrie Johnson believes that if you want a change to occur, we need to act locally and think globally. That is the reason she recently started an Environment Club in the Yankton High School. Not only does Johnson enjoy volunteering, she believes that her life is enriched because she is taking action to address issues that need solutions. Making a difference in your life and at the same time making life better for others is the foundation for volunteering. Thank you for MAKING A DIFFERENCE, CARRIE JOHNSON.