The Carmelite STARS Youth Group was formed in June of 2005.  The high school youth program was looking for a fresh start and a new vision was being sought.  The youth at the time chose the name Carmelite after the Carmelites who have served the parishes’ faithfully for many years and STARS for Service Through Active Religion.

The STARS have participated in many fundraisers, a Valentine Dinner, Burrito Sales, Cornstock, Chamber Theatre Servers, sold Maggie's Popcorn and hosted a few Breakfasts.  In February the STARS  host a Valentine Dinner for family and friends with preordered tickets, and in 2020 we hosted our 15th annual dinner.  In November 2020 they sold Poporn from Maggie's Popcorn in Ottawa, Ks.  The funds raised from these events along with any other fundraising efforts are used to support the group with service projects and travel expenses.  They plan to once again attend the National Catholic Youth Conference from November 17-21, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  They also plan to attend RCYC (Rural Catholic Youth Convention) in March 2022.   It is usually held in November in Topeka and they attended in  2016 and 2018;  but due to the pandemic, had to be postponed until March.  In August of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 they also hosted an Archdiocesan Rural Youth Rally. Our summer outing in July of 2021 was a fun day at Worlds of Fun.

During the 2017-2018 school year we had  two STARs serve on NEKRYC (North East Kansas Rural Youth Council) - Adrianna Pedrow and Emma Porter and in 2021-2022 we are please to have two more STARs serve on the council - Morgan Sumner and Reese Witherspoon.

There are currently 17 youth involved in the STARS group which meets on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:00 p.m., throughout the school year.  If you are interested in joining, volunteering or have service project ideas, please contact the parish office or one of the group leaders Georgia Miller or Kristy Mader (kmader0313@gmail.com).