Volunteer Spotlight: Juliana King

Juliana King started volunteering with the Humane Society of Missouri’s education department in 2023 for a simple reason: she loves animals. She says she’s always looking to further her interests and make an impact, so volunteering at HSMO was an easy decision.

This love of animals has led to a huge recognition: the Congressional Award Gold Medal, which is Congress’ highest honor for youth. To earn the award, a participant must log a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness, and a five-day, four-night expedition or exploration.

To earn this award, the majority of Juliana’s hours were logged at HSMO. Her work in the education department includes helping teach classes, hosting birthday parties or bringing in a club she started at her school called PAWS (Protecting Animals With Service).

“I love knowing that I am helping the animals, as well as the people who come in to the Humane Society to learn and become more aware about our mission,” she says. “I find that even being with the animals for any amount of time always brightens my day, and I love being able to share that with the people around me!”

She has also been a counselor at HSMO’s Kids for Critters Summer Camp for the past three years, which she says is her favorite part of volunteering.

“My favorite experiences are definitely being a camp counselor,” she says. “When the kids first come to the Humane Society, you can see their faces light up when they get to be with our animals, and they become so proud of themselves when they finish a craft or project to benefit the animals.”

Juliana recommends looking into volunteering with HSMO, even if you are young.

“Even when you start like I did at an early age, there is still so much for you to do, and of course, plenty of animals for everyone,” she says. “I am very proud of being an advocate for animals and bringing awareness to my community.”

Learn more about volunteering by clicking here.