(Council Bluffs) A student from western Iowa was honored Thursday for her commitment to service, leadership and community impact. Officials with the non-profit organization SHARE Iowa – an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa – announced Alicia Alvarez, a junior at the Underwood High School, is the recipient of the 2026 Do-Gooder of the Year Award. The SHARE Iowa Do-Gooder of the Year Award honors volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving their communities. The award highlights individuals whose service inspires others and strengthens Iowa communities.
According to a press release, Alicia Alvarez has been an active volunteer since her freshman year, contributing to multiple school and community initiatives while serving in leadership roles as Vice President of FCCLA, a member of the JOI Club, and a member of the Student Council.
SHARE says Alicia’s service demonstrates exceptional leadership and compassion. She provides weekly leadership for the Backpack Program, organizing food distribution, Thanksgiving meals, and food drives to support families experiencing food insecurity. She has also contributed to initiatives such as a winter glove and hat drive.
Within FCCLA, Alicia Alvarez served as Vice President of Programs as a sophomore and First Vice President as a junior, coordinating an online silent auction following the 2024 tornadoes, helping develop the Eagles Nest Closet and Mobile Food Pantry, and assisting with a Career Fair that connected more than 60 students with over 30 professionals. She is widely recognized for stepping in to meet last-minute volunteer needs.
Through the JOI Club, and at Underwood High School, the teen is known for her reliability and compassion, including organizing fundraising efforts for grieving families and helping secure funeral assistance when a former student passed away.
Nominator and school counselor Kirk Hughes describes Alicia as “a rare young person” whose maturity and sense of responsibility set her apart. “She has a deep sense of community involvement, and most students do not have the dedication to take on such adult responsibilities,” Hughes said. “The Backpack Program alone is a huge responsibility that is needed in every community, and Alicia approaches it with compassion and reliability.”
SHARE Iowa is a community engagement conduit offering simple ways for neighbors, nonprofits and businesses to come together and strengthen western Iowa.
