Youth Spotlight: Jack Palmer

By Brenda Saucedo: Youth Engagement Specialist - Middle School

At Mountain Youth, we believe young people have incredible potential to make a difference in their communities. This month, we are excited to spotlight Jack Palmer, an 8th grade student whose curiosity, determination, and willingness to get involved make him a wonderful example of youth leadership in the Vail Valley.

Jack is someone who is always looking for a new challenge. His interests stretch far beyond the classroom. He participates in Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field, and Golf, while also exploring his love of music by playing Piano, Flute, and Drums. When he isn't practicing an instrument or playing a sport, you might find him reading, solving puzzles, working on a Rubik's Cube, or learning about history and airplanes, and yet his curiosity doesn't stop there.

Jack is currently in 8th grade while taking 10th grade geometry, and he continues to challenge himself academically through activities such as Science Olympiad, Brain Bowl, Battle of the Books, and spelling bees. He is also part of his school's Student Leadership Team and is working toward the Seal of Civic Engagement.

One of Jack's most meaningful community connections has been through Bravo! Vail Music Festival. As a member of the Bravo Vail Team Council, Jack attends monthly meetings where he gets to learn more about music and help plan events for children and families.

He was also selected as one of only 10 students to participate in an opportunity connected to Ann Marie McDermott, a high-level pianist with Bravo! Vail. For Jack, music isn't simply something he enjoys, it has become a way to connect with other young people, build friendships, develop confidence, and become more involved in his community.

"Bravo Vail is a great way to be a part of the community and meet others," Jack shared.

Jack joined Valley's Voice Middle School in September 2025 after a friend encouraged him to check it out. He was looking for something fun to do and an opportunity to meet more people.

Since joining, Jack says one of his favorite parts has been being able to help plan activities and connect with students from throughout the valley. He enjoys learning about what is happening in different communities and discovering the events and opportunities available to young people.

That sense of connection is at the heart of what Valley's Voice strives to create, a space where young people can build relationships, share their ideas, learn from one another, and take an active role in shaping their communities.

Jack's involvement in his school and community has also helped him develop skills that he knows will benefit him in the future. Through volunteering and participating in community activities, he has learned how important it is to show up, meet new people, work as part of a team, and step outside of his comfort zone.

When asked what advice he would give younger students, Jack kept it simple:

"Set high goals and challenge yourself. You can keep doing better until you're the best you can be!"

Jack's story is a great reminder that leadership doesn't always look one particular way. It can look like competing on a track team, learning a new instrument, helping plan a community event, joining a leadership team, volunteering, or simply being willing to meet someone new.