Number of Participants: 24
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $3,340
Event Type: Civic & Community
Activity: Girls Volleyball
School: Prior Lake High School
Date: September 18, 2025
Location:
Prior Lake High School
150th Street West, Savage
MN
About:
The Prior Lake Volleyball team is showing how sports can create real change in their community through their initiative, Helping Our Community. Last year, the boosters decided to focus their volunteer efforts closer to home after a teacher at the school was diagnosed with ALS. While the team was able to honor him and raise funds during a separate game, it sparked a bigger idea: how could they make a difference for people in their own community?
Many schools participate in national causes such as Dig Pink for volleyball or Tackle Cancer for football. While these efforts are admirable, Prior Lake Volleyball wanted to expand their reach to support people facing a variety of hardships. That vision led to the creation of Helping Our Community.
The program begins by inviting families to submit nominations for individuals or families experiencing challenges. From these submissions, the booster team selects which families to highlight—though making those choices is often the hardest part.
In its first year, Helping Our Community received two nominations and honored both families. Highlights from that inaugural year can be seen here: Instagram Post.
This year, the initiative focused on Brooklynne Thorson, a former Prior Lake High School student. The community rallied together to support her battle against brain cancer: Instagram Post.
Through these efforts, the Prior Lake Volleyball boosters demonstrate that Helping Our Community is more than a volleyball program—it’s about compassion, community spirit, and making a tangible difference in the lives of families in need. The team’s dedication shows how athletics and service can work hand in hand to create meaningful impact.
