Typically when one thinks about community volunteers, the image of a semi-retired, long-time resident comes to mind.

One doesn’t usually think of teenagers.

But Matthew Dima Hallberg is breaking that mold. Matthew, 14, has been named the Issaquah Highlands Volunteer of the Year for 2008.

Matthew, who has lived in the Issaquah Highlands for four years after moving to the United States from his native Ukraine, has already contributed more to his community than most.

“Last year I helped with a reforestation project, planting trees in Harrison Street,” the shy young man told The Reporter this week.

He continued with the planting project beyond when it was required of him, just because, well, he liked it.

Obviously the volunteering bug had bitten Matthew, as he soon found himself involved in helping to stage the Highlands annual Easter Egg hunt. He then contributed his time to the Highlands Day.

The Highlands Council and the Issaquah Highlands Community Association honored more than 70 volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation event on Friday, Feb. 20 at Blakely Hall.

Matthew said that the importance of contributing to your community through volunteering and service projects was something that was stressed to him at the Issaquah Middle School.

“The two things I like the most about living here are our friendly neighbors, and all the parks,” he said.

If he keeps up this level of service to the Highlands community, soon it will not just be the neighbors who are friendly to him, but many other residents, grateful for the contributions of this generous young man.