The YES program proudly announces Esther Zilevu from Ghana as Student of the Month. She was placed by World Link in Hanford, CA, where she attends Sierra Pacific High School.

Esther Zilevu has made volunteer service the keystone of her exchange year, contributing over 100 volunteer hours to her host community. Esther finds volunteering to be personally fulfilling and educational. She has volunteered at numerous community events, including the Otis Tolbert 911 Memorial Golf Tournament, Relay for Life, and the Scarecrow Festival. As a Leo’s Club member, she served pancakes, distributed smoke detectors, and ran a snack bar for a non-profit theatre. She also packed Christmas presents for Toys for Tots and regularly serves meals at a local soup kitchen.

While serving at the soup kitchen, Esther was approached by a man who asked if some towels nearby were being given away. That simple question left a lasting impression on her, making her realize how essential, yet often overlooked, items like towels and blankets are for those in need. This realization led her to organize a blanket and towel drive. Using school announcements, flyers, presentations, social media, and club connections, she collected 40 blankets and 47 towels, helping over 50 individuals. Reflecting on the project, Esther said, “A warm blanket or clean towel might seem simple, but to someone in need, it can mean comfort, dignity, and hope.”

At school, she is an active member of the Asian Club, Interact, Black Student Union, Culture Club, and STEM Club. She participated in the tennis team and the school musical, all while excelling academically, including in two college-level courses.

Esther also loves to share her Ghanaian culture with her peers, introducing them to “Gari,” a traditional dish made from cassava. She introduced her classmates to proverbs in theAkan language, and naming traditions, giving students what their Ghanaian name would be based on the day of the week they were born.

She baked “Kate Cake,” a traditional Ghanaian snack, to share with the local church. Esther formed a strong bond with her host family, who describe her as kind, respectful, and loving. Her host mom said, “It has been an absolute joy and blessing to host Esther. She blended so well with our family…Her smile enlightens everyone around her.” As an outstanding youth ambassador of her country, Esther exemplifies the highest qualities of a YES student.

Congratulations, Esther!