Bloomington United For Youth

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) presented the 18th annual volunteer recognition awards the evening of Thursday, February 11th. Only this year, like nearly everything else, the awards were with a new spin and an adventure in technology as a fully live virtual event aired on BEC-TV’s many video platforms.   Photos and a full recording of the awards ceremony can be viewed on the BUY website www.bloomingtonyouth.org. 

Honors were given in 4 categories, with nominators describing the honoree’s notable achievements. Then honorees accepted the awards on air with plaques having been delivered to them earlier that day. Additional special thanks to Bloomington Boy Scout Troop 374 for the virtual flag ceremony, Kennedy High School cellist, Marcus Jenson, for live entertainment, Tom Ringdal and Thomas Starks for being exceptional emcees to an empty room, and the crew at BEC-TV for making this inaugural event happen. Please keep a noteworthy volunteer(s) in mind to nominate next January when everyone can celebrate together with cookies after the ceremony again!

The 2021 honorees are: 

INDIVIDUAL YOUTH

Addison and AnneMarie Schloo, Jefferson High School (12th and 10th grades)

Addison and AnneMarie have volunteered since middle school at the Closet of Hope free clothing store in Bloomington. They are incredibly dedicated and help with filling orders, sorting through donations, cleaning, and help keep things organized. At Christmas the site hosts a gift giveaway, and these young women set up the "toy store" organizing the donations, helping kids with shopping and wrapping gifts. Addison and AnneMarie not only help each week (including throughout all of the COVID pandemic), but they do it with positive attitudes and are excited to help. 

YanYan Zeng,  Jefferson High School senior 

YanYan is the Youth Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Bloomington. In this role she advocates for policies that reduce Bloomington's overall carbon output and energy usage. 

She organizes events that feature the stories of those impacted by environmental destruction, allowing participants to understand the effects of climate change on a personal level. YanYan was a featured Earth Action Hero in the Bloomington Briefing.

As a leader of Jefferson's environmental club, YanYan collaborates with her peers to improve the compost and recycling systems at school while attempting to inspire them to implement these steps in their own homes.  She is president and cofounder of Earth Corps, published a newsletter to increase youth civic participation, co-hosted and spoke at the 2020 Earth Day celebration.

YanYan is also on the board of the Bloomington League of Women Voters. She filmed U.S. Census videos in Cantonese and Mandarin, registered voters, distributed voter information guides, and created a voter registration presentation for Bloomington schools. YanYan is in the JHS marching band, Chinese folk dance, coaches and teaches dance. She participates in the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, the Bloomington Antiracist Coalition, and is interning with Richardson Nature Center and Asian Media Access. 

YOUTH  ORGANIZATION

Kennedy High School Green Club 

Students formed this group in the fall of 2019 to reduce Kennedy High School’s negative impact on the environment. Students have worked to inform peers on  ways they can personally reduce waste; and have begun exploring ways in which systems in the school and school district could be improved from an environmental standpoint. Tasks so far include reconfigured recycling bins at the school so they can easily fit cans and bottles, and work on creative ways to reduce the school's paper consumption. The organization is currently selling trees for Bloomington residents to have planted this spring. 

INDIVIDUAL ADULT

Michele Dagenais, Elementary school homework assistant

Michele is a very caring and supportive volunteer who is patient, kind, and personable. But just as important she is reliable. Michele has helped students with schoolwork in person in the past, and did not let distance learning this school year stand in her way for continued volunteerism as a school tutor/homework helper. Michele writes out what she does while volunteering with a student, and then sends it to the teacher when she's done. The students Michele works with rarely miss an online video meeting with her. The relationships she has built with students in working through challenging school tasks gives them power and increased self-esteem. 

Sharon Rauenhorst, First Robotics

Sharon has volunteered to develop future robotics engineers for many many years in Bloomington. Sharon doesn't have any children in school any longer, but some nights she will be helping one, two or three teams learn through robotics. She works as a mentor to high school students, but also mentors teams at the middle school and elementary levels; teaching the skills of designing, engineering, and programming different forms of robotic structures. Sharon travels to local, state and national events to help students at the same time as volunteering to run the events. 

COMMUNITY GROUP

The Quilters at Christ the King Lutheran Church

Several women from this faith community come together each week to quilt and share fellowship. They historically make nearly 100 quilts a year to donate to groups directly impacting youth in Bloomington (including 20-40 quilts to the Kennedy Pantry at KHS over the past 5 years, which in turn provided the quilts to students in need).  The quilts have made a sufficient impact for students that are highly mobile, don't have blankets, and/or who have experienced illness.  Each quilt comes with a written message of positive and prayerful thoughts for the person who receives the quilt. The group also donates quilts to Bridging, Cornerstone and the Linus Project - providing loving warmth and caring to surround many Bloomington residents.

Organizers of the Jumpstart 2 School event

A collaborative effort of many community partners with the purpose to distribute school supplies to students in Bloomington. VEAP has sponsored school supply drives for the past 20 years, and since 2017 has distributed the supplies directly to the Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina school districts. To best serve students and their families to support their educational experience, supplies needed to be distributed directly to families in Bloomington. So in addition to VEAP, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church has led multiple faith community partners including St. Bonaventure Catholic Community and Redemption Lutheran Church to organize a site for the distribution. Other cooperating groups are UpWorks, Every Meal (formerly Sheridan Story), Good in the Hood, the City of Bloomington and the Bloomington Public Schools.

In a "normal" year this celebration would be in the Bloomington Civic Plaza with the Mayor, Superintendent of Schools, members of the City Council and School Board members joining with a packed crowd -  all there to acknowledge volunteerism accomplishments in 4 categories: Individual Youth, Group of Youth, Individual Adult, Group of Adults.

But...perhaps you've noticed... These are far from "normal" times!

This year's Virtual Ceremony will be produced and broadcast/streamed live by BEC-TV.

The awards ceremony will be carried live everywhere you can watch BEC-TV (Bloomington Educational  Community Television). This includes Apple TV, Roku, Stream and Cable.

It will also be on BEC-TV's Facebook page.

And a great place to catch it after the event is BEC-TV's free Video On Demand service.

So tune in from the comfort of your home and cheer through cyberspace for our honorees who have demonstrated exceptional service to their community in a year where volunteering was an extra challenge because it meant leaving the safety of someplace known to help people you don't.

The BUY Volunteer Recognition Awards Committee

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) will host the 18th annual BUY Volunteer Recognition Event in the 2nd week of February to honor youth, adults, and community groups that make a positive difference through volunteerism.

BUY is a volunteer organization that works to engage the entire Bloomington community in the positive development of youth. BUY is composed of members from local government, schools, the faith community, businesses, civic and service organizations, as well as youth. BUY's philosophy is based on the 40 Development Assets development by the Search Institute.

Awards are given in the areas of Individual:

Youth Recognition, Youth Organization Recognition, Individual Adult Recognition, and Community Group Recognition.

Criteria for the BUY Volunteer Recognition Awards:

Criteria for Individual Youth Recognition 

1. Resident of - or student in - Bloomington in Gr. 6-12. 

2. Activity should be done as a volunteer. 

3. Youth has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time. 

Criteria for Youth Organization Recognition 

1. Organization should be composed primarily of volunteers grades 6-12 2. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time. 

Criteria for Individual Adult Recognition 

1. Activity should be done as a volunteer. 

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth. 

3. Adult has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time. 

Criteria for Community Groups Recognition 

1. Organization should be composed primarily of volunteers. 

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth. 

3. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time. 

If you have questions please contact tringdal@isd271.org or 952-681-6527 

CLICK HERE for Online Nomination Form 

Extended Deadline: Saturday Jan. 30, 2021 

We’re aware that  - with the BUY website down -  

people have had trouble accessing the info and form this year.

We’re extending the deadline 24 hours to help accommodate

If you would like to watch the video of the Bloomington United for Youth Recognition Ceremony please click on the link below:

Bloomington United for Youth Recognition Awards 2020 Video

Bloomington United for Youth Recognition Awards 2020 Photos

Ally Starks

For 3 years as she's been on the School Board's Student Advisory Council (BSAC). During that time she served as the co-chair of BSAC and as Student School Board Representative for the past two years. Ally has helped transform BSAC from one of a focus group that gave input to board members created topics to a full vibrant action committee effecting change in the Bloomington community and embodying the term "One Bloomington." Ally and BSAC recently had a successful Unity Dance to help bridge the differences between KHS and JHS. She has also represented her fellow students well by sharing her opinions at the Board table. She cares deeply for her fellow students and the Bloomington community future.

Shonte Brown

Shonte has been the co-chair of the School Board's Student Advisory Council (BSAC) and as JHS's Student School Board Representative for the past year. Shonte is extremely passionate about being the change she wants to see to the world. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by organizing BSAC into action. She worked tirelessly to find sponsors, volunteers and chaperones for BSAC to put on a Unity Dance so KHS and JHS. At the Board table she has openly shared her opinions on very difficult topics and always frames her thoughts in what she thinks is best for her fellow students.

Riley Mathiasen

Riley Mathiasen, a Junior at Kennedy High School, is pioneering a program to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related programming to Bloomington elementary schools. Riley pitched the idea to the principal of Oak Grove Elementary, his former school, and has since put in the work to organize and host a monthly maker space for the last two school years. Riley has recruited volunteers from his robot team, the Anonobots, to help teach kids the joys of STEM. It is common to see over 100 people taking advantage of the program each month. . This year Riley reached out to other Bloomington elementary schools and volunteered to host pilot programs, with a goal of giving more kids the opportunity to learn the joys of STEM related activities.

Jefferson High School Football Team

The football team has made helping veterans our community service mission. This is NOT a one year thing, but have done it for over 10 years now. The Team annually raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The players sell t-shirts at school and then the lower level players collect money at one designated game each year. This past year they raised $1,954 for a 10 year total of $29,948. Each summer the team acts as a water stop in St. Paul for the WWP Minnesota Soldier Ride. At the stop, the team hands out water, snacks & encouragement to the riders. Doing this along side of St. Paul police & firefighters. Lastly, the team has been going to the MN V.A. Home to play Bingo with residents. The team has done this 4 times so far and will continue this activity.

Brian Schulte

Brian Schulte has been a volunteer with the Jefferson High School Robotics Club for the past six years. Brian works for General Dynamics as an engineer and wanted to give back to the community, so Brian started helping students build robots. Brian has volunteered more of his time every year and he takes time off work to attend the students competitions. Brian is currently the lead mentor and overseas all areas of building the students robots. He is redeveloping the club manual to help make things easier for students, parents and mentors. Jefferson Robotics Club couldn’t ask for a better person than Brian Schulte. 

Jefferson High School Clay Target Club

The Jefferson Clay Target Club started in 2012 and the following have been volunteering most of the years. Scott & Tammy Vidmar, Brian Noma, Jeff Harkner and Tim Miller are so awesome as volunteers that believed in this club and continue to volunteer. They care about every student getting better and not necessarily about winning, but rather improving and learning the fundamentals of shooting. They come to help the students with a smile on their face. These volunteers have given so much and continue to give to a program they believe in. Besides the time working with the students they also spend many hours outside of the club working on better ways to help the students and improve the club.

Bloomington Lions Traveling Basketball Association

There was no competitive basketball program for a basketball enriched community for the upcoming year, so Charity, Kevin, and Jonetta along with the parents of the 5th grade team, decide to stay and play together creating the Bloomington Lions Team. The team was approved for 2018-2019 winter season through the Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (M.Y.A.S.) to compete in MYAS tournaments. While Kevin coached the team, Charity and Jonetta set up various volunteer opportunities with local business like Cub Foods, Dick Sporting Goods, and Eagles Club. As the buzz got out about the Lions team, others in the community began asking how they could be a part of the team. During the beginning of the summer months of 2019, Charity filed and completed a 501c3 making the Lions team an official Non-profit organization.
Over the summer and fall of 2019 the organization held numerous free camps, and clinics for the community. With the help from the Head Coach of Kennedy High School, Coach Cook, the organization held the first Bloomington Lions tryout in October of '19. Over 150 kids came to participate. They were able to create 7 teams with at least 10 players on each team. One team for each grade level except 3rd grade (4-8). In the spring and summer of 2020, they are going to introduce a girls lite team to eventually implement the girls basketball portion of the program.
Providing an outlet for over 90 kids to come and exercise their talents and skills the best way they see fit. It has also opened the opportunity for kids and parents to connect as a community. 

This year's Box City Vigil was a great success! We've had plenty of people participate in this event and many representatives come to show their support. Thank you to everyone that came and had a wonderful time!

TOM DALY

Tom Daly has been tutoring many Bloomington students since 2013. Guiding 3rd, 4th & 5th grade students through homework assignments at the Westwood Elementary Homework Connection two days each week. He always strives to encourage the students to do more than just complete their homework assignments but to understand the concepts and have fun. 

Ann Tillotson

Ann Tillotson was a parent of the Bloomington Public School. Ann has seen many students going without lunch whether at school or home. She started the program "Children's Food for Thought" (CFT). By raising donations Ann was able to help feed many students in need of help across the districts.

Tommy Panvika

Tommy Panvika has been working tirelessly to raise money with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) by holding cancer nights at sports games (basketball & hockey), Chipotle fundraisers, and fundraising selling bracelets at school having competition between grades. In honor of his friend who suffers from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and in honor his uncle who has survived Leukemia. Tommy started this campaign on his own, and now, has a team of family and friends who are helping Tommy's cause. He created a fundraising page at SOYTeamTommy.com to reach out to many people as possible to support his cause. 

Jeanne Chan

Jeane Chan has been a great role model for Blooomington students since 2016. This gifted Kennedy High School senior understands the importance of helping others. She contacts the Volunteer Connection office each year asking how she can volunteer. Jeane mentors students of all ages at the Family Homework Connection program. When there is a student stopping by needing of help with Math we send them to Jeanne. Often students seek Jeanne to receive help each week. Having volunteers like Jeanne encourages students to attend because they know they will leave with a better understanding of these concepts.

St. Michael's Lutheran Chruch

St. Michael's Lutheran Church has supported The Sheridan Story, a weekend food program. As a result of their financial and human resource support, approximately 30 Normandale Hills students and families receive a bag of food at the end of each wee to help combat the gap to food access they face. Members of the St. Michael's congregation also volunteer at the Normandale Hills on a regular basis through our Homework Connections program, and extended school day program meant to provide academic and social support to students who would benefit. 

The Bloomington Knights of Columbus

The Bloomington Knights if Columbus have been quietly serving our community for over 50 years. Each year, they host Free Throw contests and a Soccer Kicking challenges for both boys and girls at our local high schools. The knights organizes an annual coat drive which keeps Bloomington kids warm every winter. They also make their hall available for many local youth groups (such as Lacrosse, Hockey, and Soccer teams) for pancake breakfast fundraisers. The Bloomington Knights of Columbus raise fundraisers and big supporters to schools and our community events such as the Bloomington Bookfest and Special Olympics, by raising money with their annual Tootsie Roll drive. 

Kennedy High School's Student Government

Over the last 3 years, Student Government has expanded from the 15 people to over 70 committed students. They have made Kennedy dances the "place to be" by selling out each year for Homecoming. They have strengthened the Kennedy community by celebrating our cultural diversity and providing student leadership and unity in a divisive political climate. They have worked tirelessly to make Kennedy stronger and more unified than ever.

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TWITTER

@BoxCityVigilMN

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) hosted the annual BUY Volunteer Recognition Event on Tuesday, February 6 to honor youth, adults, and community groups that make a positive difference through volunteerism.

BUY is a volunteer organization that works to engage the entire Bloomington community in the positive development of youth. BUY is composed of members from local government, schools, the faith community, businesses, civic and service organizations, as well as youth.

Awards are given in the areas of Individual Youth Recognition, Youth Organization Recognition, Individual Adult Recognition, and Community Group Recognition.

If you would like to watch the whole ceremony here is a link: https://eduvision.tv/l?eRAtLL

Dawn Anderson

Over 5 years ago Dawn Anderson started a free clothing resource called "Closet of Hope" at Bloomington Covenant Church. The operation started small, but now serves 250 Bloomington and Richfield residents each month. The shelves and racks are filled with clothing for all ages, footwear, coats, bedding and towels.

Dawn and her team demonstrate, empathy, kindness and generosity with all of the people who come through Closet of Hope.

Virg Senescall

For decades, Virg has tirelessly  volunteered for  groups such as the Jefferson swimming/ diving and hockey teams, and served as Vice President of Sports Operations and  director of the golf program for Bloomington Athletic Association, 

Virg is also a Board member of the Educational Foundation of Bloomington. Virg says "Giving back through volunteering and helping others is the most rewarding way to spend your life!" 

Bloomington Education Cable Television

Nominated by Kennedy principal Carol Kampa, these 7-12th grade volunteers work in all areas of TV production from directing to cameras, to on-camera talent. They work at schools throughout the city, not just their own school helping create between over 500 new shows from Bloomington's public and private schools each year. These students help bring a slice of Bloomington to homebound seniors in our community so they feel included and informed. 

Bloomington Police Dept. Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC)

MAC has been serving for 10 years to help connect new citizens and youth to the Bloomington Police Department. MAC works as a liaison for the communities, creates opportunities to get to know the Police, and familiarize communities to local law.

"Holiday Helpers in Blue" is one MAC initiative.  Each December his program partners traumatized youth with Bloomington Police Officers to  shop for holiday gifts for the child and the child's family members. 

Transfiguration Lutheran Church (TLC)

TLC has been partnering with Westwood Elementary School since November 4, 1956 when they held their first services in the school. 10 years ago Recently the church began a program called the "Reading Buddies" where 1 adult and 1 or more students come together weekly to read.  For those who couldn't serve during the school day,  TLC also began the Pen Pal program where the adult will write letters to 4th graders who they were matched with throughout the year.

Sue Martel 

For 25 years, Sue Martel served as the Volunteer and Homework Connection Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools.

She has been champion of recruiting friends and community partners all over Bloomington  - and beyond -  to encourage people to give an hour or two of their time to support students. She recruits outside the walls of the schools; grocery stores, faith communities, community events and even the pickleball courts!

She is the reason the Volunteer Connection office retains volunteers year after year.

In 2017 alone, Sue worked with over 600 volunteers, coordinating  over  37,000 hours serving Bloomington students

Sue is genuinely interested in each volunteer and finds the appropriate placement within the schools, so they feel happy and fulfilled as volunteers. 

Box City Vigil is a very fun event to raise awareness for youth homelessness! Everyone brings in boxes to build a small shelter to sleep in and store belongings for the night. There will be pizza, live music, ultimate frisbee, and prizes!

RESGISTRATION: In order to participate in Box City Vigil 2016, we ask that you register by May 9th. 

IF you are unable to register in advance please bring the form and your $5 to the event by 9pm. 

The following link below are the forms for more information.

BLLI is a free program that, over about 40 hours spread out over 6 months, will teach participants leadership skills and how to become involved in local government and non-profits by serving on boards and commissions. We believe this program will strengthen our community by encouraging participants to not only take what they have learned and apply it in their personal and professional lives, but also share the information they have learned with their family, friends, and neighbors.

Please note that the deadline to apply is Friday, April 21.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Wurst-Persaud, at mwurst-persaud@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-4650.

For more information about BLLI, visit the official site by clicking here.

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Each year citizens across the city are invited  to nominate individuals and groups who volunteer their time to make our community & world  a better place.  

The winners were  formally recognized for their efforts at a ceremony on February 7 in the Council Chambers at Bloomington Civic Plaza.

Dignitaries from Bloomington Schools and the City of Bloomington were on hand to help honor the winners.

BUY Youth Co-Chairs Phoupasong Phaviseth and Bharath Sivaram presided.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 374 (Nativity of Mary) provided an honor guard, and Jefferson brothers Nathan and Landon Glenna provided entertainment.

Individual Youth

David Palmquist (Kennedy Junior)

Genevieve Lund (Jefferson Junior)

Group of Youth

Jefferson TOPPLE (Teaching our Peers Peach, Love, and Understanding)

Individual Adult:

Dwight Geisler (Bloomington Daymaker Rotary - Longtime coordinator of Bloomington Teen Job Fair)

Community Group:

Oak Grove Presbyterian Church (Supporters of Homework Connection since 2004, Home of "Oasis for Youth")

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) will host the annual BUY Volunteer Recognition Event on Tuesday, February 7 to honor youth, adults, and community groups that make a positive difference through volunteerism.

BUY is a volunteer organization that works to engage the entire Bloomington community in the positive development of youth. BUY is composed of members from local government, schools, the faith community, businesses, civic and service organizations, as well as youth.  BUY’s philosophy is based on the 40 Developmental Assets developed by the Search Institute.

Awards are given in the areas of Individual Youth Recognition, Youth Organization Recognition, Individual Adult Recognition, and Community Group Recognition.

The criteria for the BUY Volunteer Recognition Awards are as follows:

Criteria for Individual Youth Recognition

1. Resident of - or student in - Bloomington in grades 6-12.

2. Activity should be done as a volunteer.

3. Youth has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Youth Organization Recognition

1. Organization should be composed primarily of volunteers grades 6-12

2. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Individual Adult Recognition

1. Activity should be done as a volunteer.

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth.

3. Adult has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Community Groups Recognition

1. Organization should be composed of primarily volunteers.

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth.

3. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

If you know someone who meets these criteria, please go to www.bloomingtonyouth.org and complete a nomination form by Wednesday, Jan. 28th. Submissions can be accepted electronically or by mail. If you have questions please contact tringdal@isd271.org or 952-681-6527

Link to nomination Google Form

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) will host the annual BUY Volunteer Recognition Event on Tuesday, February 7 to honor youth, adults, and community groups that make a positive difference through volunteerism.

BUY is a volunteer organization that works to engage the entire Bloomington community in the positive development of youth. BUY is composed of members from local government, schools, the faith community, businesses, civic and service organizations, as well as youth.  BUY’s philosophy is based on the 40 Developmental Assets developed by the Search Institute.

Awards are given in the areas of Individual Youth Recognition, Youth Organization Recognition, Individual Adult Recognition, and Community Group Recognition.

The criteria for the BUY Volunteer Recognition Awards are as follows:

Criteria for Individual Youth Recognition

1. Resident of - or student in - Bloomington in grades 6-12.

2. Activity should be done as a volunteer.

3. Youth has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Youth Organization Recognition

1. Organization should be composed primarily of volunteers grades 6-12

2. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Individual Adult Recognition

1. Activity should be done as a volunteer.

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth.

3. Adult has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

Criteria for Community Groups Recognition

1. Organization should be composed of primarily volunteers.

2. Activity should benefit Bloomington youth.

3. Group has demonstrated volunteer services for a committed amount of time.

If you know someone who meets these criteria, please go to www.bloomingtonyouth.org and complete a nomination form by Wednesday, Jan. 28th. Submissions can be accepted electronically or by mail. If you have questions please contact tringdal@isd271.org or 952-681-6527

Link to nomination Google Form

The city of Bloomington will be hosting a job fair Saturday, January 7, 2017 - 10:00am to 1:00pm at Civic Plaza. It focuses on seasonal jobs and internships. For more information click on the following link https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/events/city-bloomington-job-fair-2017-01-07. 

A conversation between youth and cops. 

Community members of the Multicultural Advisory Committees of Bloomington and Richfield invite you to a community wide dinner, collaborative presentation of personal stories from high school youth and police officers, and post show discussion.

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 
Kennedy High School Auditorium

Click here for more info

Over the next 20 years, Bloomington will need to respond to a variety of changes that will impact development, public infrastructure and the services the City provides. Help us update the future vision for Bloomington as well as develop goals and strategies to achieve the vision by taking this survey.

Bloomington 2040 Main Website: https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/forward-2040

Visit the Box City website by clicking the image above! 

Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) Volunteer Recognition Awards.

Each January, citizens across the city are invited  to nominate individuals and groups who volunteer their time to make our community & world  a better place.  

The winners were  formally recognized for their efforts at a ceremony on February 9th in the Council Chambers at Bloomington Civic Plaza. Dignitaries from Bloomington Schools and the City of Bloomington were on hand to help honor the winners.

Individual Youths

Gloria Arpellet  (Jefferson Senior)

Michelle Nguyen (Jefferson Junior)

Group of Youth

Kennedy High School National Honor Society

Individual Adult:

Ginny Beckett (Valley View Middle School’s “Hope for Tomorrow”)

Community Group:

Normandale Community College America Reads / America Counts

We are looking for members to join in helping with our initiatives - specifically someone from the faith community, someone from law enforcement, Bloomington students that are in middle school (public or non-public) and high school students (we are in need of people to start taking over student roles on our initiatives).  Members of the business and non-profit/social service Bloomington community are also welcome. See our next meeting dates here.

Bloomington United for Youth (BUY) is the place in Bloomington where all things related to youth meet. From fun events for high school students to educational seminars for parents – and everything in between – BUY is working to engage the entire community in the positive development of youth.

Bloomington United for Youth would like to thank the Education Foundation of Bloomington for funding through their grant.

The EFB is a volunteer, not for profit, philanthropic organization. Our Board of Directors includes community and business leaders, school personnel, and parents.