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Q: Tell us who you are!

A: My name is Emerson Walters, and I am a senior. I got involved with Pebble Tossers when I was in my freshman year, so I have been a TLP member for 4 years. My favorite things to do are hang out with my friends, play golf, and volunteer!

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: A service project I did in TLP was the spelling bee at Corners Outreach. The most challenging part was the planning of every aspect of the project. The most rewarding part was watching the kids doing the spelling bee and getting the words right.

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: I hope that our community will come together to make our world a better place. I think Pebble Tossers has shown me that there are people who care as much about this issue as I do.

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: A lesson that I learned in TLP that stuck with me was how to overcome adversity. Sometimes plans fall through, and you must learn how to overcome them and strengthen your project despite the challenges.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: I would tell them never to give up, even when it feels like they should. The outcome is much better than the problems in the plans leading up to it.

Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?

A: After watching my daughter participate in the TLP program for four years, I’ve come to truly admire Pebble Tossers and what it stands for. Each year, the program challenges them to organize into small groups, select a cause that’s meaningful to one or all of them, and then build a real-world program or event that directly benefits people. It’s not a classroom exercise, but an effort that celebrates service by challenging each student to plan, organize, and follow through—and then shows them firsthand the human outcome of their project. Observing this process up close has been remarkable. Within this community of peers, our daughter has gained planning skills, leadership confidence, empathy, and a strong bias toward action—all grounded in a genuine spirit of service. The growth has been extraordinary.

Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?

A: For parents and guardians, my advice is simple: dive in with them. Join the 5K, help coordinate a project, drive them across town when needed, and use your personal or professional network to amplify their efforts. The experience not only teaches your teen to lead with purpose but also creates shared moments that strengthen your connection while setting the stage for a lifetime of service together.

Q: Tell us who you are!

A: Hi, I’m Adaora! I’m in 7th grade, and I really like music, playing soccer, and writing stories. I also play piano. Something cool about me is that I’m a Junior Board Member for Children Helping Children, and I’m the youngest mentor in Vizyon for Girls. I like helping kids my age find ways to give back. I first joined Pebble Tossers because I thought it would be fun to do more service projects and meet other kids who care about making a difference.

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: I want to make sure kids and families (and even animals!) feel cared for. During MYLP, I got to help with a dog shelter project. We made toys for the dogs and encouraged people to adopt from shelters instead of buying from breeders. It made me realize how even small actions like making a toy can make life happier for animals and also help families.

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: Before MYLP, I thought leaders were just the people in charge. Now I know leaders are people who take action and get others involved. When I was at the shelter project, I felt like a leader because I was speaking up about adoption and why it matters. That made me see that kids can lead, too.

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: I learned how to speak up for what I believe in. That’s helped me feel more confident in class when I share ideas, and with my friends when I talk about volunteering. Sometimes just telling your story gets other people excited to join in.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: I’d say: find something you care about and just start. If you love animals, go to a shelter. If you love books, volunteer at a library. It doesn’t have to be big; you can just do one small thing and it still makes a difference. Plus, it’s fun and you’ll meet a lot of nice people.

Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?

A: Watching Adaora participate in MYLP reminded me how powerful youth service really is. I saw firsthand that when children are given the chance to lead, they don’t just follow instructions they create solutions and inspire others. Through projects like the dog shelter initiative, Adaora discovered how her voice could raise awareness and encourage people to choose adoption. It showed me that our community is full of opportunities for kids to make a real impact, and that service is not limited by age, it’s strengthened by it.

Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?

A: I would encourage every parent to give their child the gift of this experience. MYLP builds leadership, confidence, and empathy in ways that go beyond the classroom. Your child will not only learn new skills but also discover how much they are capable of giving back. The program doesn’t just prepare them to be future leaders, it shows them they can lead right now.

Q: Tell us who you are!

A: Hi! My name is Brooklyn Heslep, and I am in 8th Grade. I first got involved with Pebble Tossers by going to a volunteer opportunity at an animal shelter, and it was at that moment that I knew I wanted to get more involved. I enjoy playing tennis, swimming, watching Legally Blonde, and Ginny & Georgia. My future goal is to attend the UGA School of Medicine and work in the field of healthcare.

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: My Mom once asked me if I didn’t have to go to school, what would I do all day. I said I would volunteer at a hospital because I love to help others. MYLP has helped me understand that I have a voice and I can help even though I am only 13 years old.

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: I see myself as a leader because when I think of a leader, the traits I think of are strong, caring, curious, helpful, and always willing to take on daunting tasks. I can proudly say that after being in MYLP, I see myself as this person.

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: Take initiative. Don’t be afraid of what other people think because that is just holding you back. Be true to yourself and be kind. Always.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: Look up Pebble Tossers! They have many opportunities for you to get involved in your community. My favorite volunteering opportunities are the ones with animals.

Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?

A: I loved watching my daughter learn about ways to serve others that would provide so much fulfillment and purpose from such a young age. It is so hard to find community service opportunities that work with our schedule and logistics, and PebbleTossers makes it so much easier to find things that work for my kids’ ages and times. The MYLP was a great program that helped develop my daughter’s understanding of community service and why it is so important. Thank you so much for pouring into my middle schooler!

Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?

A: We really enjoyed getting to know the instructors and the other parents in the program. It was really great to have the opportunity to connect with other families!

Q: Everyone starts somewhere! How did you get into volunteering?

A: Volunteering helps my daughters understand the challenges faced by others. It encourages empathy and a sense of responsibility toward those in need, which can shape their values and worldview.

Q: Share an experience that has been particularly meaningful to you as a volunteer.

A: Pebble Tossers has really created a positive impact on our family’s life. Encouragement cards with artwork are a meaningful way for our daughters to express kindness and creativity, and I love how they can connect to something as heartwarming as Meals by Grace. The act of preparing these cards is a great combination of art and giving, allowing them to not only practice their creativity but also send love and support to others who may need it. It’s a beautiful thing that our family is part of something that brings joy and comfort to people in such a personal way.

Q: What impact has volunteering had on your life?

A: The Pebble Tossers community has had a positive and uplifting effect on our family. The way Pebble Tossers fosters hope and empowerment really stands out. It’s not just about helping others, but also about empowering both the volunteers and those being helped. That mutual sense of encouragement creates a powerful cycle of positivity.

Learning the importance of giving, whether through acts of service, like preparing encouragement cards, or through the organization’s larger initiatives, can be such a transformative experience. Our involvement in this community has provided not just a chance to make a difference in others’ lives but also a deeper understanding of how much small acts of kindness can truly change the course of someone’s day or even their life.

Q: What keeps you coming back and continuing to volunteer?

A: We feel a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose from giving back to others. Knowing that our efforts directly contribute to improving someone else’s life can be incredibly rewarding. This feeling of fulfillment is something we like to experience again and again, so we keep coming back to help.

Q: What message would you like to share about volunteering with the community?

A: Your time and efforts matter. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that touches many lives. Whether it’s a few hours or a regular commitment, you’re contributing to positive change.

Q: Tell us who you are!

A: I am a kind, caring, and compassionate person who wants to make a positive impact in the world and help others whenever possible. I am in 12th grade currently and have been in the TLP since 10th grade. I got involved with Pebble Tossers after seeing the website and hearing about it from my mom. I was really intrigued that Pebble Tossers had a TLP program, and I thought it would be a great opportunity and fit for me. Some fun facts about me are that I have two little siblings, I play the viola, I have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, I enjoy playing video games, I am interested in studying psychology, and I have a passion for space and astronomy!

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: A service project that I worked on was the Homelessness and Hunger project. I’d say the most challenging part of this was definitely the time management and trying to arrange dates for everyone to meet up and volunteer at the food kitchen we gave food at, so we ended up splitting the work by some people making the food, and some others serving it. The most rewarding part though, was definitely seeing the people who came into the kitchen happy and enjoying the food that was made 🙂

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: Something that I hope to see changed in my community in the future is for there to be less people experiencing homelessness and more assistance to those who are elderly, children, and the disabled. The TLP has helped me to be more equipped to be a part of that change, as everyone in the TLP is so nice and as everyone in the TLP is so nice and has has motivated me to want to be more involved in the community, while also being alongside these awesome peers and especially our directors Alysha and Earline, as they are so supportive and caring to all of us in the TLP.

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: A lesson from TLP that really struck with me is that we should all be kind to one another and be the leaders and future of our communities, as well as continue to strive and help others in our community in whatever way we can.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: I would definitely tell a younger student to plan more and use their time wisely, as well as to communicate with your peer members about service projects. I would tell them to come with an open mind and strive to commit to helping others with their unique ideas. I would also tell them to try and volunteer whenever they can, even outside of TLP, through other events.

Q: Tell us who you are!

A: Hello! I’m Amirah Thompson, and I’m a senior. I got involved with Pebble Tossers in my freshman year when my mom and I were looking for some volunteer opportunities that I could take part of, and we stumbled upon this program. This will be my fourth year with Pebble Tossers. My favorite movie is “The Book of Life,” and I aspire to study biochemistry in college when I graduate high school.

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: In our last cohort, I participated in a service project for animals and wildlife where my group and I gathered our peers to make handmade pet toys and donate them to animal shelters in the metro-Atlanta area. One thing that we struggled with was communication, which I think was partly due to the fact that we had such a big group and everyone had their own personal responsibilities. I think that we overcame it simply by one or two of us checking in more frequently once we realized the problem, which led to a more collaborative discussion. The most rewarding part was when we were able to make over 100 pet toys, which exceeded our initial goal!

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: A change in my community that I hope to see is more effort to identify aspects that help to improve the community and rally more people to turn those ideas into reality. The TLP has equipped me to be a part of that change by allowing me to grow out of my timid shell over my high school career and improve my communication and leadership skills.”

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: A lesson that I learned from the TLP is that there is so much more behind the role of a leader aside from leading itself; they must be a good listener, negotiator, and they must be sympathetic and amiable. Those aspects can sometimes be even more important.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: I would say: think of something in the community that you’re passionate about, whatever that may be, and find (or even create) some service opportunities that you think would better that aspect of your community.

Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?

A: Community Service has always been something that I enjoyed in my earlier years, so when I learned about the TLP, it sparked my interest, and I felt like it would be a great fit for my daughter. Through the TLP, she gained exposure to the importance of learning more about our community and the benefits of giving back through our time and efforts.

Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?

A: The TLP provides youth with exposure to various aspects of their local communities that they may not naturally experience. It provides our children with the ability to network with their peers across the metro Atlanta area and form lasting relationships beyond the program.

Q: Tell us who you are!

A: I’m Sahana Jakes! I’m a senior. I first got involved with Pebble Tossers by applying to the TLP program. I saw it online, and I thought it looked like a great experience and that I would learn a lot from it. This is my second year as a TLP member. My main activity outside of school is dance, where I participate in different styles like ballet, hip-hop, and jazz. I also love going to concerts and music festivals with my friends.

Q: Tell us about a service project you participated in with the TLP.

A: Last year, I participated in the Mental Health group’s service project where we set up a summit with multiple areas on different ways to develop healthy mental health skills. This included stations involving art therapy, yoga, journaling, and positive affirmations. The most challenging part was getting people to come to our event. We overcame this challenge by inviting the people whom we knew could commit to coming. The most rewarding part was seeing how attendees learned from our stations and were able to take information and physical items, like journals home with them.

Q: What’s something you hope to see change in your community, and how has the TLP helped you feel more equipped to be a part of that change?

A: I want more people to find shelter and access more food. TLP has made me more equipped to be a part of that change by giving me an experience to learn from leaders who have worked in that area and have made an impact. TLP also lets me directly make an impact by being able to work with other teens to directly create change. I remember how impactful the group helping with homelessness was, and I loved seeing that the packs they made were directly helping someone. I’m working in the Hunger area group, and I hope we can make a similar impact.

Q: What was a lesson you learned from the TLP that really stuck with you?

A: I learned that creating an event takes a lot more time than I thought it would. I thought making a summit would be simple, and it wouldn’t be hard to make it elaborate. I quickly learned how far in advance everything needs to be planned out, and that it takes so much time because sometimes plans don’t work out, and you have to backtrack. I also think that planning earlier gives your community more notice and opportunity to be able to attend the event.

Q: If you could share a piece of advice to a younger student who wants to get more involved in service, what would you tell them?

A: I would say that they should look for local opportunities; that’s how I found TLP! There are a lot more ways to volunteer than I thought there were. Usually, you can talk to someone you know or do the research yourself, and once you find a volunteer opportunity that you like, apply and try it out!

Q: Parents, what’s something you learned about your community or about the power of youth service by watching your teen participate in the TLP?

A: Watching Sahana participate in the Teen Leadership Program opened my eyes to the fact that young people can make a difference in their community, and they can do it now. Teens have lots of great ideas, and they’re dedicated. They just need support and guidance from experienced, caring adults to make their ideas a reality. Sahana received this from Pebble Tossers and was successful in organizing a fun and inspiring mental health awareness event with her team. It included instruction on painting, journaling, and yoga to promote good mental health.

Q: Parents, if you could share a piece of advice with another parent or guardian considering the program for their children, what would you tell them?

A: My advice is simple: sign your child up for the Teen Leadership Program if they express an interest! You will be supporting your child in their efforts to make the world a better place. My daughter had a very valuable experience participating in the program. Sahana got hands-on experience designing and executing a service project with her team while receiving helpful mentoring from Pebble Tossers. Additionally, she enjoyed hearing from service-oriented speakers from the community at each monthly meeting.

Q: Everyone starts somewhere! How did you get into volunteering?

A: My first volunteer experience was with Agape in sixth grade. I truly enjoyed engaging with the children. I left with the feeling everyone was happier for having shared time together. This showed me the power of connection to others.

Q: Share an experience that has been particularly meaningful to you as a volunteer.

A: I have been very involved in delivering meals with Open Hand Atlanta. At first, it was a way for me to help my community and spend time with my mom. It turned into a passion of mine as I learned about the different communities that make up metro Atlanta and saw the financial and physical challenges many of our fellow neighbors have. I quickly realized each delivery was an opportunity to brighten someone’s day not only with a healthy meal but a meaningful conversation. Open Hand Atlanta’s incredible staff has become an extended family to me. What we do together is important and has brought me so much joy.

Q: What impact has volunteering had on your life?

A: I have loved volunteering from a young age. I have learned small acts of kindness consistently done over time have enabled me to have a significant impact on my community and the many organizations I work with. I have built lasting relationships with adults who are willing to support me in my future endeavors. I have also learned while we all come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, we are much more alike than we realize. The spirit and kindness I have experienced in my many volunteer activities have reinforced my commitment to always prioritize my community involvement. I have come to understand and appreciate the amazing work of so many local non-profits and their dedicated employees I am honored to call my friends

Q: Parents, how impactful has volunteering been for your family?

A: Reyne (Will’s Mom): I have watched my son grow into an amazing, empathetic, and incredible young man! We started out volunteering as a way to spend quality time together. I would have never imagined how deeply involved we would become with so many organizations and different communities throughout Atlanta. I am so proud of Will’s dedication to service. His involvement has spread to everyone in our family answering the call to help when organizations are shorthanded. I love how Will has created a service mindset in our family and has consistently made volunteering a consistent part of his life over the past six years.

Q: What keeps you coming back and continuing to volunteer?

A: The people that make up the various organizations we are honored to work with and for!!

Q: What message would you like to share with the community about volunteering?

A: I would encourage everyone to get involved in community service.  Pebble Tossers makes it easy to connect with many volunteer opportunities. Be intentional about scheduling your time. Weekly events like the Sandwich Project or CHOA drop-off days are a great way to build a foundation of service throughout high school. From there, you can branch out and try new activities. It will lead to having a lasting impact on your community and provide you with many personally rewarding experiences.

What is your group project about, and what made you want to create your project?
Our group project is about bringing awareness to mental health through a summit. My team and I wanted to create this project because we wanted to help people in person. We felt it would be more effective to have a summit and have actual people attend rather than just reaching out through something like social media or a website.

What skills did you gain or develop as a teen leader, and how did you apply those skills to lead your project?
The skills that I gained as a team leader were communication and outreach. I had good communication skills before this, but working with my group, my school, and my teachers to help make this event come together gave me experience as a widespread communicator in addition to working with my peers. I also gained the skill of outreach through social media by making Instagram posts.

What challenges did you encounter while working on your project, and how did you overcome them?
The challenge we encountered was finding a location, which we overcame by communicating with my school and working with my supervisor to hold the event at my school. Another challenge was getting people to attend, which we tried to overcome by posting posters all over our schools and through social media. However, I think we didn’t start early enough, which made it harder to let people know about the event and resulted in fewer people attending.

Tell us how the TLP supported your goals as a teen leader and what your next steps are after completing this TLP year.
The TLP supported my goals as a team leader by giving me this opportunity to have this event, because without TLP, this isn’t something that I would’ve done on my own. The supervisors also helped support my goals because Ms. Alysha attended our event, and they gave great suggestions on how to improve outreach. My next steps after completing TLP this year are to reapply for next year and to hopefully continue volunteering through the summer.

Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself as a teen leader.
I felt really proud of myself as a team leader when the event was going on because I could see how all of our hard work had accumulated to this point and how it paid off.

Do you have someone who inspires you?
My brother inspires me because he’s a hard worker, really good at communicating his feelings, and cares a lot about others.

Imagine you’re giving a TED Talk about a leadership lesson you learned. What’s the title, and what is your main takeaway message?
The title of my TED talk is “Prepare ahead of time.” My main takeaway message is that when you are part of a leadership group and are planning an event, it’s better to come up with what you want to do as soon as possible so that you can plan everything and prepare everything well before the deadline.

Everyone starts somewhere! How did you get into volunteering?
Volunteering helps my daughters understand the challenges faced by others. It encourages empathy and a sense of responsibility toward those in need, which can shape their values and worldview.

Share an experience that has been particularly meaningful to you as a volunteer.
Pebble Tossers has really created a positive impact on our family’s life. Encouragement cards with artwork are a meaningful way for our daughters to express kindness and creativity, and I love how they can connect to something as heartwarming as Meals by Grace. The act of preparing these cards is a great combination of art and giving, allowing them to not only practice their creativity but also send love and support to others who may need it. It’s a beautiful thing that our family is part of something that brings joy and comfort to people in such a personal way.

What impact has volunteering had on your life?
The Pebble Tossers community has had a positive and uplifting effect on our family. The way Pebble Tossers fosters hope and empowerment really stands out. It’s not just about helping others, but also about empowering both the volunteers and those being helped. That mutual sense of encouragement creates a powerful cycle of positivity. 

Learning the importance of giving, whether through acts of service, like preparing encouragement cards, or through the organization’s larger initiatives, can be such a transformative experience. Our involvement in this community has provided not just a chance to make a difference in others’ lives but also a deeper understanding of how much small acts of kindness can truly change the course of someone’s day or even their life. 

What keeps you coming back and continuing to volunteer?
We feel a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose from giving back to others. Knowing that our efforts directly contribute to improving someone else’s life can be incredibly rewarding. This feeling of fulfillment is something we like to experience again and again, so we keep coming back to help. 

What message would you like to share about volunteering with the community?
Your time and efforts matter. Even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect that touches many lives. Whether it’s a few hours or a regular commitment, you’re contributing to positive change.