Kanik Deschene is demonstrating how youth leadership can create meaningful impact both locally and globally through volunteer service, public health education, and community-building initiatives. Representing the Northeast UNITY Region and connected with Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Kanik has dedicated significant time to service projects that support wellness, youth engagement, and community care.
One of Kanik’s most unique experiences this year involved participating in an international public health investigation and workshop-building project connected to communities in Northern Nigeria and Washington, D.C. During the September 2025 initiative, Kanik worked alongside a team researching real-world public health challenges and developing educational workshop materials designed to strengthen health awareness and prevention strategies for families and community members. The project emphasized Physical Wellness by connecting healthcare knowledge with community-centered education and collaborative problem-solving.
Kanik also contributed to community fundraising and awareness efforts through athletics and volunteerism. In April 2026, he volunteered as a referee during the “Dunk Alzheimer’s” 3-on-3 basketball tournament hosted at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. The event focused on raising awareness and support for Alzheimer’s disease research while bringing community members together through sports and service. Through broad community participation and support, the larger initiative has helped raise nearly $150,000 toward efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease. Kanik’s role in the tournament reflected his commitment to Social Wellness and community engagement through youth-led volunteer service.
Earlier in the spring, Kanik participated in “Mulch Madness,” a volunteer effort dedicated to assisting neighborhood elders. Working alongside fellow volunteers, he helped deliver mulch orders to elderly residents in the community while also supporting fundraising efforts for local athletic programs. The project promoted community connection, service to elders, and opportunities for youth leadership development through teamwork and volunteerism.
Kanik also partnered with the Friendship Heights Youth Council to help organize a community spring event at the Chevy Chase Pavilion in March 2026. The family-centered gathering featured games, food, drinks, and activities designed to encourage community bonding and reestablish the pavilion as a welcoming public gathering space. Youth participants also partnered with a pop-up arcade, allowing children to earn arcade tokens throughout the day. The event reflected a strong focus on Social Wellness and creating positive spaces where youth and families could connect and celebrate together.
In addition to service projects, Kanik reported dedicating more than 21 hours to planning, fundraising, and volunteer activities throughout the year. His work reflects a growing commitment to leadership, community service, and wellness-centered initiatives that benefit both youth and the broader community.
Through volunteerism, collaboration, and community-focused leadership, Kanik Deschene continues to reflect UNITY’s mission of empowering Native youth to lead through service, compassion, and positive action in their communities and beyond.
