Maile Johnson Named Severna Park Kiwanis Club Teen Of The Year

The Severna Park Kiwanis club, a local civic organization, has provided one Severna Park High School senior yet another accolade to add to her college applications. After analyzing the credentials of several candidates, the club recently recognized Maile Johnson as Teenager of the Year and granted her a $1,000 scholarship for her achievements.

Applicants represented high schools around Anne Arundel County. After receiving information about the award, Johnson had to complete several steps to be considered.

“I heard about the Teenager of the Year award from a couple people, one being from my Key Club adviser, Mrs. [Elizabeth] Meadows. The counseling secretary, Mrs. [Jaclyn] Besche, also helped me find this scholarship and award,” Johnson said. “I am so thankful for all of their help and guidance. I had to do an application and then I also went through an interview.”

As a service organization, the Kiwanis club looked for altruistic endeavors among its Teenager of the Year applicants. Johnson was no exception to this, as she has taken part in several humanitarian efforts throughout her life.

“Harvest for the Hungry is probably the largest project I've been involved in. This year, I was the head chair for it and we raised $20,000,” Johnson said. “Besides harvest, I will take any opportunity to volunteer. Some projects include paint night, prom fashion show, or Linda's Legacy and the Stride for Span 5K.”

Her charitable endeavors were not the only reason she was chosen as Teenager of the Year, however. Johnson’s bright mind was able to give her a leg up over the other applicants considered.

“In terms of my academic accolades, I have received the Minds in Motion Award and been on honor roll all four years of high school. I am also in the national, Spanish, and math honor societies,” she said.

School and charity are just two of the pursuits that occupy Johnson’s time.

“Outside of school, I spend some time in the pool with my club team, SPY,” she said. “I love to spend my time playing my ukulele, coaching swim, going on adventures with my friends, and hanging out with my sister.”

The Kiwanis Club was so impressed with Johnson’s efforts and personal strides that it came to no surprise that she was selected as Teenager of the Year.

“Maile used the Severna Park community for assistance and then gave back to it tenfold,” said Kiwanis President Rachel Jacobs. “Maile’s commitment to her school, demonstrated leadership in service clubs and tireless volunteerism sets her apart from her peers.”

While the award and scholarship will help Johnson in her post-secondary education, during which she will pursue a career in occupational or physical therapy, Johnson plans on using the honor for more important reasons.

“This award means the world to me,” Johnson said. “I don't expect anything out of my community service; I do it because it makes me feel good. However, I will use this award to motivate me to make this world a better place, even if it is just one person.”

While Johnson earned the award this year, other local students were named Teenager of the Year finalists and received $750 scholarships. This includes Lilia Yousefian from North County High School, Taylor Palmer from Old Mill High School, and Katie Kiser from Northeast High School.