Walden celebrates its young leaders

By Jared Castañeda
Posted 2/5/25

All municipalities strive for youth leadership in their communities, yearning for teenagers who pave the way for their generation and set good examples for their peers. Walden has no shortage of …

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Walden celebrates its young leaders

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All municipalities strive for youth leadership in their communities, yearning for teenagers who pave the way for their generation and set good examples for their peers. Walden has no shortage of these leaders, as seen during the Walden Woman’s Club’s annual Youth Community Service Awards Contest on Monday, January 20 in the village hall. This ceremony recognizes three individuals or groups, typically middle and high school students, who make big differences in Walden and the Town of Montgomery.

The first award went to Kiernan McCormick, a three-year volunteer at the Josephine-Louise Public Library who was previously recognized during the WWC’s 2022 youth awards. Volunteers like McCormick are crucial to the village library’s success, ensuring smooth operations for the staff and a more enjoyable experience for patrons. Ginny Neidermier, the library’s director, thanked McCormick for all his work and compliments his “steadfastness, reliability, and friendly and helpful nature”

Next up, the WWC recognized Valley Central High School’s “For the Animals” Club, a group of 50 members who volunteer at the Humane Society of Walden. These students support the shelter and its animals in various ways, whether they raise money, donate supplies, help with events, or assist the staff with dogs and cats. This club was one of the first recipients of the village’s youth awards back in 2009.

The WCC presented its final award to Steven Kapnisakis, a member of Walden Boy Scout Troop 33. In November 2024, Kapnisakis completed an ambitious Eagle Scout project: a restoration of 14 historic markers in the Town of Montgomery. After presenting his project, he and his team removed the markers from the poles, scrubbed them clean of grime, and polished them to look brand-new. Kapnisakis also donated any money received through this project to the Historical Society of Walden and Wallkill.