As a sixth grader in search of guidance, stability and friendship, Mara Harris went to the Rochester Boys & Girls Club.
That initial visit, combined with Harris’ experiences that followed at the club as a student at Rochester Middle School, have been the catalyst for her volunteer and philanthropic efforts within the Thurston County area.
For her efforts, Harris, a 17-year-old junior at Black Hills High School, was named Young Philanthropist of the Year Award by the South Sound Partners for Philanthropy in November.
Harris was nominated for the award by Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County. Her mother, Heather Hughes and other philanthropic individuals from the community, helped celebrate an exciting and humbling experience for Harris. Read more.