Reid Wilson - A Life of Philanthropy and Service

Please use this photo for "By Sopris Oglesby"

Not only is this young man an outstanding athlete and student, but he is also deeply committed to community service and enriching his high school experience. Reid Wilson, a junior at the Geneva School of Boerne and a resident of Fair Oaks Ranch is a member of the Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) which has fostered a unique platform allowing him to blend his passion for philanthropy with valuable personal experiences. 

YMSL is a four-year program designed to encourage young men to engage in community service and philanthropy alongside their mothers. Reid joined this program as a freshman and plans to continue serving until he graduates high school. Reid and his mother joined YMSL to give back to the community, strengthen Reid’s character and make the most out of his time in high school. 

For Reid, participating in YMSL has been an exceptionally rewarding journey. The program has not only helped him develop a strong sense of morals, but has also provided him with opportunities to build lasting friendships with both his peers at Geneva and other YMSL members. His membership experience has been especially meaningful because of the time he is spending with his mother, who is equally dedicated to the mission of the program. This is just another opportunity that he gets to strengthen his relationship with his mom, which Reid says makes him happy. 

The goal of YMSL is to focus on philanthropic opportunities by participating in a wide variety of service projects throughout the year. These philanthropies are selected at the beginning of the year and members will pick which ones to take part in with their mothers and grade level group. One of Reid’s favorite projects was working at Herff Farms in Boerne. It is an agricultural nonprofit that focuses on preserving local history and providing educational opportunities for the Public. 

For Reid, working at Herff Farms provides the perfect combination of philanthropy and manual labor. Whether it’s helping with farm maintenance or supporting community events, Reid finds fulfillment in contributing his time and energy to causes that directly benefit others. He loved the opportunity to lend a hand as well as provide manual labor at Herff Farm. 

Charity work has become a fundamental part of Reid’s life. He understands that service is not just about giving time—it’s about making a real, lasting impact on the people and communities he serves. His involvement in YMSL has reinforced this belief, as each project brings a new opportunity to help those in need and foster a sense of unity. He hopes to become a part of another service organization during his time in college. 

Reid has learned the value of hard work and giving back to the community through YMSL, beginning his freshman year and up to his junior year. As Reid continues his YMSL journey, he will no doubt carry the lessons he’s learned into adulthood, staying committed to service and community involvement for years to come!