WIPPS Announces Recipient of the 2025 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service is excited to announce that Liam Kaplan is the recipient of the 2025 Dave Obey Young Adult Civic Engagement Award. Kaplan is a graduate of Marshfield High School who is currently double majoring in Conservation and Community Planning and Art at UW-Stevens Point.

The award is in honor of former Wisconsin Congressman David R. Obey, who served central and northern Wisconsin as a representative from 1969 to 2011. It is awarded to a young person who demonstrates leadership abilities including initiative, integrity and service to others. Also important is a commitment to civic engagement through building relationships throughout the community and working toward positive change.

During high school, Kaplan volunteered with many organizations and was involved with several school clubs. He volunteered with Marshfield Respite providing enrichment for elderly citizens with dementia and mentored an elementary school student through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kaplan revitalized his school’s Gender-Sexuality Alliance club, contributed to the Empty Bowls fundraiser for three consecutive years, and founded a chapter of Action for the Climate Emergency, where he organized a community clothing exchange benefiting the local food pantry.

Now a college student, Kaplan has continued his community service. As a volunteer with the Society for Ecological Restoration, he helps to remove invasive species from the campus nature preserve. Through the Lawns Gone Native project, he is conducting research for the city of Stevens Point on native prairie lawns. He also works with 350 Stevens Point on environmental education initiatives, and works with the Progressive Action Organization to establish mutual aid for students and community members.

Congratulations, Liam!