Rustic Spirit Spotlights: Yae'Shawn, Xander, and Haylee

Rustic Spirit Spotlights highlight young leaders who are making a positive impact. These teens are taking creative action to solve problems in their communities and inspiring others along the way. At Rustic Pathways we’re honored to recognize them!

Yae’Shawn Butler
Age 17
Silverado High School
Las Vegas, Nevada

Yae’Shawn is a proud member of his school’s National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (math tutoring), Key Club, The Hope Project, and Inter-Council. He has learned what it means to dedicate oneself to collectively uplifting others’ lives and the community that fosters one’s growth.

Beyond school, Yae’Shawn engages in undergraduate research through UNLV’s Office of Undergraduate Research where he has delved into both public health and medicine research and offered solutions to various issues while educating people in the community.

Yae’Shawn plans to major in Neuroscience in college, driven by his fascination with brain activity from AP Psychology and Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink. He aspires to become a surgeon, but can also envision teaching at a university or engaging in diverse industries like business and politics. In his free time, Yae’Shawn enjoys socializing with friends or reading from the comfort of his bed.

Yae’Shawn advises to never forget your why. On the toughest days when the world seems like the worst place possible, you have to remember why you were so genuinely passionate about making a positive impact. Never lose sight of the goal in all of this, which is to make the world around you a more loveable experience for yourself and others.

Xander McBride
Age 18
Clearfield High School
Clearfield, Utah

Xander has dedicated three years to student government and is now serving as student body president this year. He’s on the committee that organizes Clearfield High’s annual charity fundraiser, which has raised $250,000 in the last three years during his involvement.

Xander serves on the state committee, which is directed under the Utah State Board of Education. He proposes ideas to the state board of education on how to make District 4 schools better, and aims to make all students feel represented and heard, no matter their culture, race, or background.

Xander would love to go into medicine and help others that way. His ambition is to advance as a doctor and make an impactful difference in people’s lives. Xander collects and resells sneakers as a hobby. He plays disc golf, goes snowboarding and longboarding, and enjoys backpacking in the mountains.

Xander advises others to just say hello! He stresses that doing that little thing can make a big difference in someone’s life. As odd as it might be to get out of your comfort zone to be outgoing and inclusive with others, it’ll make an impact on people you didn’t know needed it.

Haylee Berentz
Age 18
Frontier High School
New Matamoras, Ohio

Haylee is involved in numerous activities including band, FFA, softball, cheerleading, Educational Talent Search, National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and serving as a Class Officer. She has taken on leadership roles in her school district, such as Drum Major in the school band, where she seizes the opportunity to guide and support younger students.

As President last year and Reporter for the FFA Chapter this year, Haylee participates in many community service opportunities and visits elementary schools to encourage students to explore diverse interests.

Looking ahead, Haylee plans to pursue a major in education. She aspires to a career as either a music or elementary school teacher. Haylee enjoys playing music, both the French Horn within her school’s band, and the saxophone, clarinet, and piano during her leisure time. During summer she enjoys taking care of her fair pigs and spending time with friends and family.

Haylee advises other students not to be afraid to try new things because it could end up being something you love. Speak up when you have ideas, everyone’s unique way of thinking is important!

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.