Spotlight on Service: Celebrating the Dedication and Leadership of Jaemin Hong
In 2025, Jaemin Hong, a 10th-grade student at Leland High School, began a new chapter in his life after moving from Korea to the United States. This transition gave him the opportunity to explore a new culture, adapt to a different environment, and embrace the value of community through service and leadership.
Back in Korea, Jaemin participated in school cleaning projects that taught him the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and giving back. These early experiences showed him that volunteerism is not only about helping others, but also about forming stronger connections with those around him and growing as an individual.
A 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a former sparring athlete during middle school, Jaemin has developed deep discipline, respect, and perseverance through his training. Now, he is channeling these lessons into service by volunteering as a Taekwondo instructor, where he plans to teach younger students, promote cultural exchange, and inspire others to live by the same core values that have guided him.
For Jaemin, Taekwondo is more than a sport—it is a way to connect people across cultures and foster confidence, humility, and mutual respect. His goal is to continue sharing these values with his community, creating positive change both locally and globally.
Through his volunteer journey, Jaemin is already showing what it means to be a leader who leads with compassion and integrity. His dedication reflects the spirit of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program, which celebrates individuals who make the world a better place through service, kindness, and leadership.