17 year old Hosanna Kabakoro of Twin Falls is a U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, and National Discover Scholar. She is the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Jefferson Award, and recognized by Mrs. Laura Bush as one of America’s top 50 high school volunteers. In November of 2009, Idaho Governor “Butch” Otter and his wife Lori, recognized her as one of the state’s Brightest Stars.
As founder of 2-Way Street Hosanna is privileged to empower and enable refugee and at-risk immigrant youth to acclimate to life in the United States through participation in public service, education and mentorship programs. She has invested close to 4000 volunteer service hours in community service programs ranging from food banks, veteran support groups, elder-care, political action groups, Girl and Boy Scouts and 4-H. A 4.0, home-educated high school senior, Hosanna also takes dual credit courses at College of Southern Idaho, where she is preparing for a career as a political correspondent. In preparation for her career, Hosanna interned for a U.S. Senator, served as a United States Senate Page in Washington D.C., and worked as a correspondent for Southern Idaho’s largest daily newspaper, The Times-News. She currently interns at Talk Radio KLIX as well as in the News Department at the CBS affiliate, KMVT. “I guess I’m a political geek! I love anything to do with politics because often, the political climate reflects the collective heart and mind of our nation. American politics are the ‘pulse-point’ of Democracy,” she says. Most recently, Hosanna was named one of 10 National YOUNG WOMEN of DISTINCTION, by Girl Scouts of America, and appointed a National Girl Scout Consultant. She works with and advises the National Board of Directors and staff of Girl Scouts International. “These intelligent, driven, and passionate young leaders will play a significant role in shaping the ongoing work of GSUSA,” said Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “They are lending their voices to a Movement that wants, needs, and values their contributions.” Hosanna was selected as a 2010 REAL GIRL by Justine Magazine, and is featured in the April/May 2010 issue, where she also appears on the cover. In addition to her academic and public service endeavors, Hosanna loves snowboarding, skiing, surfing, kayaking and training for Ironman in Kona. “I spent my childhood in the Fiji Islands, so I love anything that can be done outdoors.” Hosanna is very active in her church, where she sings in the choir, teaches Sunday School and helps lead an after-school program for children. “My faith in Jesus Christ allows me the freedom to become everything I was created to become, while providing me a firm set of guidelines to keep me on course.”