Rustic Spirit Spotlights: Emily, Carson and Caleigh

Inspiring students are driving change in their communities and worldwide. These young changemakers embody ‘Rustic Spirit’. They are empathetic, problem solvers, community-driven, and focused on positive outcomes.

Rustic Spirit Spotlights showcase these exceptional teen leaders. They not only create a positive impact but also inspire fellow youth to transform the world.

Emily Dolberry
Age 18
Arlington, Texas
James Martin High School

Emily is making a positive impact in her community by being as involved as she can. She volunteered 12 hours at Mission Arlington during Christmas, helping those in need. Emily is also an active member of the National Honor Society.

As a member of the varsity basketball and track teams, Emily’s dedication is evident in her efforts to help the teams thrive. With all this hard work, she has been granted the opportunity to play basketball and compete in track at the college level. Along with this, Emily plans to major in education to become a teacher.

Emily says hard work and effort are a major part of everything you do! Giving 100% effort is what creates positivity.

Carson Appel
Age 18
Windsor, Maine
Erskine Academy

Carson co-founded an environmental club that’s dedicated to sustainability projects. Their initiatives include installing energy-efficient light switches, promoting energy efficiency, revitalizing the school’s paper recycling program and planting trees to capture carbon from the environment. Beyond school volunteer activities, Carson volunteers weekly at a local hospital as a greeter.

In college, Carson plans to pursue public policy and applied mathematics to help communities thrive. In his free time he enjoys hiking, alpine skiing, cycling and many other outdoor activities with friends.

Carson says anyone can help to improve our world. Start small with something you’re passionate about, and invite others to learn and grow with you!

Caleigh Brumbaugh
Age 18
York, Pennsylvania
West York Area High School

For the past three years, Caleigh has been working with kids at a local summer camp program. Every month she assists with her school’s food pantry initiative. Through local “Rent-a-Kid” services, Caleigh connected with families in need of assistance. She still works with two families, helping them with daily chores and everyday needs, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

Caleigh will be attending Delaware Valley University and majoring in conservation and wildlife management. She hopes to do some field and research work with animals, and perhaps eventually help solve issues with global warming and extinction rates! In her free time she enjoys reading, art, kayaking, and being with loved ones.

Caleigh says it doesn’t take much. If you can bring happiness to someone–even one person–you can make a difference.

Nominate a Student

Do you know a student doing valuable work that deserves to be recognized? Nominate them here! Are you making an impact? Tell us about your work here.

Make Change

Interested in creating change in your community? Check out our guide and learn how to make an impact as a student.

At Rustic Pathways, our goal is to make positive contributions to the communities we visit through responsible travel operations and community service projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.