Our Stories

2024 Volunteer Awards: Rising Star

The Rising Star Award presented to an NCTA member between the ages of eight and 25 who has made significant contributions to the trail, and whose dedication to the trail and the NCTA sets an example to other youths and shows exceptional promise.

Cheyenne Williams

From a young age, Cheyenne has wanted to become a Park Ranger for the National Park Service. A variety of family trips to national parks and monuments has allowed her to speak with rangers about this career path, further solidifying her vision. She has hiked several sections of the North Country Trail near Lake Superior, and her family helps maintain the trail. Cheyenne herself has taken the lead for her family’s trail adoption. She provides the Superior Shoreline Chapter with updates and work reports, and takes charge of reporting her volunteer hours. Cheyenne is dual enrolled at Manistique High School and Bay College, with plans to attend Lake Superior State University to pursue a degree in Parks and Recreation.

Learn more about how the you can honor NCTA volunteers for their service on and for the North Country National Scenic Trail, and submit a nomination at northcountrytrail.org/volunteer-awards.