A Student’s Search Becomes a Community’s Gain

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Austin Koziarski. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

When Austin Koziarski walked into JaxTHRIVE as a high school freshman, he was looking for a place to put his energy toward something that mattered. And he found it. Tutoring newly arrived refugee children, many from Afghanistan, Austin has helped this Jacksonville program grow into a vibrant community outreach.

Now co-president, Austin leads more than 200 volunteers from 18 area high schools, coordinates twice-monthly “Super Saturday” tutoring sessions, and organizes drives for school supplies and holiday baskets. He rebuilt the organization’s website, streamlined volunteer training, and partnered with groups like VyStar Credit Union to host a financial literacy Reality Fair, helping to teach refugee students about budgeting, taxes, and insurance that will shape their futures.

For Austin, the reward is personal. He remembers helping Mehran, a 10-year-old who quietly confided his dream of becoming an engineer as they built a paper-towel-roll bridge together. Austin told him that with hard work, any dream was possible… and watched the boy break into a confident smile.

“Even though I’m young, I can still have a big impact on someone who needs my help,” Austin says. His work is a reminder that connection crosses every border, and that deep down, we’re all more alike than we are different.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Austin? Find local volunteer opportunities.