When Westmoreland County student Danny Cisneros talks about volunteering, his excitement is contagious. At 17, he has already become a standout example of what young people can bring to their communities: curiosity, discipline, compassion, and a willingness to learn. This summer, his work with the John Dos Passos Institute (JDP Institute) made him an ideal choice for Volunteer River Counties' Volunteer of the Month spotlight.
Cisneros discovered the JDP Institute almost by chance. While walking through Rappahannock Community College, where he is a student in the Chesapeake Governor's School program, he noticed a speaker, Dr. Lara Coggin, the founder and CEO of the JDP Institute, talking about an internship. "I think it found me," he said. "It was right up my alley, and I knew I needed to help."
The short-term internship offered a small stipend, but he was also able to earn environmental volunteer hours which he needs to graduate from his marine science program. At the conclusion of his internship, Cisneros continued volunteering with the JDP Institute. According to Coggin, who nominated him, "Danny's dedication to his volunteer stewardship is just as serious as his commitment was during the paid internship."
His first project was ambitious: creating a community walking path through five acres of dense woods. "There were thorns everywhere, branches hitting you in the face, poison ivy all over," he said. One moment of curiosity led him to grab the wrong branch, only to find out-too late-it was poison ivy. Still, he kept going, finishing the trail and helping to create safe, walkable space on the property.
With a father in carpentry and roofing, Cisneros brought some skills that allowed him to take on additional challenges. Using repurposed wood from the remains of an old house on-site, he crafted fencing to give the trails more structure and worked on the installation of "bug hotels" to support local pollinators. A shady resting spot with a seating area he helped design and nicknamed "Huckleberry Haven" has quickly became a favorite of visitors.
Cisneros' understanding of nature has deepened through his work. "When life is moving so fast, nature is the pause," he said. "Now when I see a flower, I don't just walk past it. I actually look at it. I know species now. I know what helps the environment." His connection to the outdoors is strengthened by his experiences with Governor's School, where he has hiked Shenandoah National Park, kayaked marshes, and will soon study coastal dunes in the Outer Banks.
Beyond environmental work, Cisneros volunteers through the National Honor Society at his high school, which helps with beach cleanups, senior citizen game nights, and animal shelter support. He has also spent two summers as a 4H camp counselor, forming lasting relationships (and funny stories!) with younger students he mentors.
Balancing school, soccer, photography, filmmaking, summer classes, and home responsibilities isn't easy, but Cisneros says the key is pacing yourself. "Everyone has time," he said. "Do one thing at a time. Set boundaries. It's easier said than done-but it can be done."
Now entering his senior year, Cisneros hopes to pursue civil engineering, inspired by his father's business and a wish to take that to a different level. Still, he remains open to new possibilities, including future opportunities with Volunteer River Counties. "If there's something you think, 'Danny would love this!' email me," he said. "I've always been a helpful person." His willingness to serve-and to keep learning-captures the spirit of young volunteers that Volunteer River Counties hopes to support across the region.
