Volunteer of the Week: Meghna Sohoni

As the new President of the Plymouth Teen Advisory Group (TAG), Plymouth volunteer Meghna Sohoni is excited for the start of the new school year.

In her fourth year as a TAG member, Sohoni, 17, has enjoyed getting to know other Plymouth teens. “This is a great leadership opportunity,” she said, “and a great way to volunteer in the community.”

TAG is a teen-run organization supervised by the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department.

“TAG members provide feedback on teen programming currently offered through Parks and Rec,” said Alyssa Krumholz, Recreation Supervisor.

TAG members also help with community-wide Parks & Recreation events such as the Healthy Living Fair.

Sohoni sees TAG as a platform to give teens a voice for activities and events throughout the year. Last year’s “1984 Party” included games from the 80’s, root beer floats, retro outfits and time for hanging out. “This year’s events will include a treasure hunt, a cooking contest, and perhaps the return of the Gingerbread House contest,” Sohoni said.

“We are so fortunate to have Meghna as a volunteer in the TAG program,” Krumholtz said. TAG is currently recruiting group members. Interested teens should contact Krumholz through the Parks & Recreation office.

TAG will have an information booth set up at the teen band event "Lower Level" on Friday, October 8, 2011 at the Plymouth Creek Center.

Sohoni has also spent three summers in the Summer Teen Volunteer Program through the City of Plymouth, working with children in Adventures Camp and Art Expo. “One little boy asked me to play with him every day. They are so cute. That’s why I volunteer with kids,” Sohoni said.

A senior at Wayzata Senior High School, Sohoni mentors incoming freshmen as a LINK volunteer. “The program helps them transition more smoothly,” she said. “I remember being a freshman. This hopefully gets their high school experience started in a positive way.”

In her fourth year in Debate Club at the high school, Sohoni loves the adrenaline rush that comes with having to think on her feet, and speak clearly and quickly. “It’s very competitive and fast paced. I love meeting so many smart, dedicated, passionate people,” she said.

Sohoni especially enjoys visiting college campuses during the one-month Debate Camp held each summer, and credits her older brother, Aneesh, with introducing her to debate.

After graduating in 2012, Sohoni hopes to stay in the Midwest to attend college. She is interested in political science and the political process; she aspires to be a politician someday.