Rustic Spirit Spotlights: Pedro, Cody and Keegan

We see a strong ‘Rustic Spirit’ within Rustic Pathways alumni, or students that have returned from our service-oriented travel programs. These students are empathetic, self-aware, and strive to positively impact the lives of others.

This ‘Rustic Spirit’ is also seen in young change makers around the world. They prove themselves to be community-oriented and positive impact-minded through their actions.

They inspire you and motivate you to get involved in your community. Teens with Rustic Spirit assist others in need and brighten people’s days through acts of service.

We want to recognize and celebrate these individuals. The following students embody Rustic Spirit and are making a positive impact wherever they go.

Pedro Lacerda
Age 17
Grace King High School
Louisiana, United States

Throughout the pandemic, Pedro has worked with a digital NPO that assists students in-need by providing them with studying resources such as tutoring and online homework help. He led the marketing team so more students could use this resource, and also actively tutored students around the world. Pedro is also the National Honor Society president at his school, and is currently planning a major peer-tutoring program through the organization.

Pedro stays in touch with current events and loves to partake in intellectual discussions and debates surrounding them. He plans to double major in Political Science and English and aspires to become an influential Civil Rights Attorney one day.

Impact advice: Always be open to feedback from the people you’re trying to assist. There is always room for improvement in the work that you do.

Cody Koch
Age 18
Tipton High School
United States

By his junior year, Cody committed over 100 hours of his time to community service work. Feeling like he has gained valuable self-worth by volunteering his time, Cody continues to assist his community by volunteering at youth sports and helping the elderly and a disabled veteran with yard work.

In his spare time, Cody enjoys hunting, fishing, weightlifting, and hanging out or playing video games with friends. He will major in business in college and plans to pursue a career as a medical sales representative or in agriculture sales.

Impact advice: Playing sports in high school teaches you so much. It has taught me dependability, responsibility, mental toughness, discipline, camaraderie, and confidence. This is something you will carry through adulthood.

Keegan Alexander
Age 18
Calhoun City High School
Mississippi, United States

As director of the Calhoun City Community Farmers Market, Keegan plans and organizes events to bring his community together. He successfully spearheaded the revival of the local farmers market that has more than doubled in participation. He is also part of the Calhoun City Chamber of Commerce, City Beautification Committee and is the president of Future Business Leaders of America at his school.

Keegan enjoys playing the piano, spending time with family and friends, and being in musicals at school and church. He plans to major in Secondary Education to teach English language arts and get a master’s degree in school guidance counseling. Keegan aspires to be there to support others in this role.

Impact advice: Strive to leave a positive impact wherever life takes you.

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.