Who: Ryan Frias
Age: 15
What: Salem Youth of the Year
Today's BIY story is a short article about Ryan Frias, who was recently named the Salem Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year.
Salem club's top youth already focused on giving back
By Amanda McGregor
Staff writer
—
SALEM — When Ryan Frias attended the Boys & Girls Club spring gala and auction last week, he didn't expect to be named Youth of the Year.
He was among four finalists who prepared acceptance speeches in advance, but, still, he didn't anticipate the win.
"I couldn't believe it," he said, recalling the moment his name was called. "My heart was pumping, and I had an adrenaline rush. I had good competition. I really didn't think I was going to win.
"It's indescribable."
Next, Ryan will compete in the regional Youth of the Year contest in May, which is followed by the nationals. The national winner is featured in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America magazine and serves as a representative for the national organization for a year. The state and national winners also receive college scholarships.
"It's an amazing opportunity for them," said AnnMarie Tanzella, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem. "We're always hearing about the tough challenges of kids, but we also want to share the successes."
Ryan, a freshman at Salem High School, started going to the Salem club when he was in sixth grade.
"I think that the Boys & Girls Club is the best thing in the world — it's done a lot for me," said Ryan, a lifelong Salem resident of the Point neighborhood. He attended elementary school at Nathaniel Bowditch School.
Ryan is captain of the club's traveling basketball team and works there as a junior staff member five afternoons a week, running tournaments and games in the gym and overseeing homework time, among other duties.
"(The club) made me more mature," said Ryan, 15. "They show me right from wrong, (and) I make better decisions. We do some great programs."
For the award, the staff targeted a group of about 10 children who are good role models and wrote essays about them and required the children to write essays about themselves.
Four finalists were selected and interviewed and wrote two essays, one about themselves and another about the club, according to Tanzella.
"We interview them each on their moral character, their life goals, education," Tanzella said, "and they needed to get a number of references."
The other finalists were Bonnibel Gonzalez, 15, Emiluis Perez, 16, and Lindsay Moreta, 15, who are all students at Salem High School, according to program director Jodi Sperling.
As for Ryan's goals?
"I want to be a child psychologist and open my own day care — and go to school for contracting so I can build the school," he said. "I want to combine (my interests). ... I want to open a place that's as good at the Boys & Girls Club."
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Showing posts with label Humanitarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humanitarian. Show all posts
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Into Darfur: A Young American's Journey
Who: Nick Anderson
Age: 18
What: Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador
Who says we can't play videos on Sunday?
Returning with first hand accounts on what it's like to live in Darfur, 18-year old Nick Anderson, Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador, says more Americans -- particularly young Americans -- must learn about the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur and help support those who will be struggling to rebuild their lives and their homes.
To learn more, visit http://www.oxfamamerica.org/darfur
Age: 18
What: Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador
Who says we can't play videos on Sunday?
Returning with first hand accounts on what it's like to live in Darfur, 18-year old Nick Anderson, Oxfam Humanitarian Youth Ambassador, says more Americans -- particularly young Americans -- must learn about the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Darfur and help support those who will be struggling to rebuild their lives and their homes.
To learn more, visit http://www.oxfamamerica.org/darfur
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Heading to Kenya this July to make the world a better place
Who: Lacombe High School Students
Age: 16-18
What: Heading to Kenya this July to make the world a better place
This Wednesday Believe In Youth presents to you a story of 20 high school students who are striving to make a difference in the world. They are taking a humanitarian trip to Africa to help people in Kenya who are suffering. This is something they didn't have to do, but wanted to do. We need more and more young people like that in the world to continue making a positive impact on our society. This article is from the Lancombe Globe.
Lacombe high school students plan humanitarian trip
A group of about 20 students from Ecole Lacombe Composite High School are heading to Kenya this July to help make the world a better place.
By Lisa Joy
Globe Editor
Tuesday February 26, 2008
A group of about 20 students from Ecole Lacombe Composite High School are heading to Kenya this July to help make the world a better place.
"This trip is about realizing that the world is bigger than ourselves and our desire is to create an opportunity for students to make a real difference in someone's life that is in need," said Jake Schellenberg, who heads the group Youth Unlimited.
"We believe that helping people is the main ingredient in making the world a better place in Kenya, as well as our world right here in Lacombe," he added. "As we make an impact on others we are impacted, so it's a win-win for everyone."
The students have planned this trip since last year and are not deterred by the post-election violence that has ravaged Kenya since December.
Grade 11 student Jordan Graber says he's not afraid to go and is looking forward to filling a need in Kenya.
"I've always wanted to go (to Africa) since I was little, to just help them out because they are suffering.
"There's so much we can do. The world is so big and you don't get these opportunities often, so any difference you can make is good."
Schellenberg–who just returned from a few weeks in Kenya with Eric Rajah, founder of Lacombe-based humanitarian group A Better World–says he felt safe while in Kenya. He went to assess the situation there before taking Lacombe students this July for disaster relief.
"I did not feel like I was in danger at any time," he said. "We took the proper precautions and made sure that we measured all the risks.
"We are definitely concerned about taking students to Kenya and we are really happy that we still have five months before we leave to understand what is happening," he added.
He said what struck him the most was the amount of need he saw in Kenya.
"I saw need from a school that desperately needs help, from kids in orphanages that have been taken in, and from the refugee camp we worked in while we were there."
Eight leaders will accompany the group of youth, ranging in age from 16 to 18.
Besides humanitarian work, Schellenberg says the students will have an opportunity to experience African culture.
"They will be organizing activities with kids, teaching classes, getting their hands dirty with some work projects, soaking in and learning about African culture and taking some time for safari."
A fundraiser is planned on March 8, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church to help fund the students' trip. The evening will feature local entertainment.
Information will also be presented about Project Africa, a joint venture between A Better World and Youth Unlimited.
Age: 16-18
What: Heading to Kenya this July to make the world a better place
This Wednesday Believe In Youth presents to you a story of 20 high school students who are striving to make a difference in the world. They are taking a humanitarian trip to Africa to help people in Kenya who are suffering. This is something they didn't have to do, but wanted to do. We need more and more young people like that in the world to continue making a positive impact on our society. This article is from the Lancombe Globe.
Lacombe high school students plan humanitarian trip
A group of about 20 students from Ecole Lacombe Composite High School are heading to Kenya this July to help make the world a better place.
By Lisa Joy
Globe Editor
Tuesday February 26, 2008
A group of about 20 students from Ecole Lacombe Composite High School are heading to Kenya this July to help make the world a better place.
"This trip is about realizing that the world is bigger than ourselves and our desire is to create an opportunity for students to make a real difference in someone's life that is in need," said Jake Schellenberg, who heads the group Youth Unlimited.
"We believe that helping people is the main ingredient in making the world a better place in Kenya, as well as our world right here in Lacombe," he added. "As we make an impact on others we are impacted, so it's a win-win for everyone."
The students have planned this trip since last year and are not deterred by the post-election violence that has ravaged Kenya since December.
Grade 11 student Jordan Graber says he's not afraid to go and is looking forward to filling a need in Kenya.
"I've always wanted to go (to Africa) since I was little, to just help them out because they are suffering.
"There's so much we can do. The world is so big and you don't get these opportunities often, so any difference you can make is good."
Schellenberg–who just returned from a few weeks in Kenya with Eric Rajah, founder of Lacombe-based humanitarian group A Better World–says he felt safe while in Kenya. He went to assess the situation there before taking Lacombe students this July for disaster relief.
"I did not feel like I was in danger at any time," he said. "We took the proper precautions and made sure that we measured all the risks.
"We are definitely concerned about taking students to Kenya and we are really happy that we still have five months before we leave to understand what is happening," he added.
He said what struck him the most was the amount of need he saw in Kenya.
"I saw need from a school that desperately needs help, from kids in orphanages that have been taken in, and from the refugee camp we worked in while we were there."
Eight leaders will accompany the group of youth, ranging in age from 16 to 18.
Besides humanitarian work, Schellenberg says the students will have an opportunity to experience African culture.
"They will be organizing activities with kids, teaching classes, getting their hands dirty with some work projects, soaking in and learning about African culture and taking some time for safari."
A fundraiser is planned on March 8, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church to help fund the students' trip. The evening will feature local entertainment.
Information will also be presented about Project Africa, a joint venture between A Better World and Youth Unlimited.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Utah Young Humanitarian Award
Who: Chelsea Gould
Age: 18
What: President of Operation Smile Chapter and More…
After working with the HUGS Foundation this past summer in Rochester, NY, we at Believe In Youth have a soft spot for those working toward a similar cause. Not only was Chelsea Gould the President of her local chapter in a similar organization, but she has done much more, earning Utah’s Young Humanitarian Award along the way.
Orem girl named Utah’s Young Humanitarian
BROOKE BARKER - Daily Herald
Chelsea Gould has traveled as far as Kenya and Mexico on humanitarian projects, but she hasn’t forgotten about the children in her own neighborhood.
Gould, an Orem High senior, was recently named as Utah’s Young Humanitarian for 2007 by YouthLINC, a Utah based non-profit organization hoping to instill life-long service in young people.
“I think it was just her dedication to constantly doing service and her motivation,” said Terry Palmer, a local service coordinator for YouthLINC. “She seems to just simply want to serve her community and her world.”
The award includes a $5,000 scholarship, which Gould plans to use this fall at Dixie State College in St. George. One day she hopes to graduate from UVSC in nursing and start her own foundation in Kenya.
“She’s had a dream ever since she was a little girl to go to Africa to help children in orphanages,” said Michelle Gould, her mother.
In 2005, Chelsea traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with her grandmother, where they spent five weeks working in orphanages, donating clothing, shoes and school supplies, and planting gardens, according to her mother.
“One of the biggest problems I saw when I went there was the orphanages didn’t test the kids for AIDS,” Gould said. “I want to get a nursing degree with that as my focus.”
She hopes to start an organization with her father, Ben Gould, aimed at providing AIDS/HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy to inhibit the spread of HIV for children in orphanages.
She is currently the president of her school’s Operation Smile chapter. The organization provides surgeries for children with cleft palettes, cleft lips, tumors and burns in Third World countries. Last summer, she traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, to volunteer with the program.
Chelsea Gould has also volunteered for more than a year with Kids on the Move, a nonprofit organization that works with children with disabilities up to age 3.
Age: 18
What: President of Operation Smile Chapter and More…
After working with the HUGS Foundation this past summer in Rochester, NY, we at Believe In Youth have a soft spot for those working toward a similar cause. Not only was Chelsea Gould the President of her local chapter in a similar organization, but she has done much more, earning Utah’s Young Humanitarian Award along the way.
Orem girl named Utah’s Young Humanitarian
BROOKE BARKER - Daily Herald
Chelsea Gould has traveled as far as Kenya and Mexico on humanitarian projects, but she hasn’t forgotten about the children in her own neighborhood.
Gould, an Orem High senior, was recently named as Utah’s Young Humanitarian for 2007 by YouthLINC, a Utah based non-profit organization hoping to instill life-long service in young people.
“I think it was just her dedication to constantly doing service and her motivation,” said Terry Palmer, a local service coordinator for YouthLINC. “She seems to just simply want to serve her community and her world.”
The award includes a $5,000 scholarship, which Gould plans to use this fall at Dixie State College in St. George. One day she hopes to graduate from UVSC in nursing and start her own foundation in Kenya.
“She’s had a dream ever since she was a little girl to go to Africa to help children in orphanages,” said Michelle Gould, her mother.
In 2005, Chelsea traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with her grandmother, where they spent five weeks working in orphanages, donating clothing, shoes and school supplies, and planting gardens, according to her mother.
“One of the biggest problems I saw when I went there was the orphanages didn’t test the kids for AIDS,” Gould said. “I want to get a nursing degree with that as my focus.”
She hopes to start an organization with her father, Ben Gould, aimed at providing AIDS/HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy to inhibit the spread of HIV for children in orphanages.
She is currently the president of her school’s Operation Smile chapter. The organization provides surgeries for children with cleft palettes, cleft lips, tumors and burns in Third World countries. Last summer, she traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico, to volunteer with the program.
Chelsea Gould has also volunteered for more than a year with Kids on the Move, a nonprofit organization that works with children with disabilities up to age 3.
Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian
Who: Breanne England
Age: 25
What: 2007 Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian Award
Breanne England has been doing a lot of good for a long time. This story reads like a bio, but hopefully inspires us all to do what we can to make a difference in as many ways as possible. Happy Holidays!
Canadian Red Cross
2007 Young Humanitarian Award
The Canadian Red Cross – New Brunswick Region and McInnis Cooper proudly presents Breanne England as the Young Humanitarian Award 2007 Recipient.
Breanne England is a 25 year old New Brunswick native, currently working and living in Ottawa. After graduating from Kennebecasis Valley High School in 2000, she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Sociology from UNBSJ. She has since completed her Masters Degree in Human Security and Peace building from Royal Roads University, as well as a certificate in Refugee Issues from York University. During her time at Royal Roads she completed research on ‘Education Initiatives in Uganda’, ‘Human Security in Rural Villages’ and ‘Civic Literacy, Decentralization and Local Governance’.
In 2003, Breanne traveled to Uganda for the first time along with a small group from her church as part of an orphan sponsorship and girl-child education program. While there, she became impassioned with Africa. In 2005 she returned to Uganda, this time to research peace building synergies in conflict-ridden Northern Uganda. This was followed by time living in the remote village of Kyabirukwa on her own, teaching secondary school girls. She also completed field research for her major research project on human security. Breanne is also part of a three-person team that is currently sponsoring 5 students in the village of Kyabirukwa, with the aim of helping these children complete primary and secondary school.
Locally, Breanne has been involved with the Tomorrow Team, a youth program associated with St. Augustine’s Anglican Church. She not only led the junior and senior youth, but also organized summer camps and participated in many church activities. In 2002 she spent a summer counselling children at Camp Medley, in Gagetown, NB. She has also been actively involved with the Canadian Red Cross as a Disaster Management Instructor, Responder and briefly as a Branch Counsel Representative. In the past few years, Bre has been involved in refugee and immigration work in Saint John.
Breanne is not only adventurous, but energetic, and brings this to the table when interacting with children in the many programs she has volunteered with. She is credited with creating inventive programs and with her ability to get people involved with the many projects she takes on.
Her life mantra is: “Strength to dream, Courage to act, Faith to endure…”
Age: 25
What: 2007 Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian Award
Breanne England has been doing a lot of good for a long time. This story reads like a bio, but hopefully inspires us all to do what we can to make a difference in as many ways as possible. Happy Holidays!
Canadian Red Cross
2007 Young Humanitarian Award
The Canadian Red Cross – New Brunswick Region and McInnis Cooper proudly presents Breanne England as the Young Humanitarian Award 2007 Recipient.
Breanne England is a 25 year old New Brunswick native, currently working and living in Ottawa. After graduating from Kennebecasis Valley High School in 2000, she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Sociology from UNBSJ. She has since completed her Masters Degree in Human Security and Peace building from Royal Roads University, as well as a certificate in Refugee Issues from York University. During her time at Royal Roads she completed research on ‘Education Initiatives in Uganda’, ‘Human Security in Rural Villages’ and ‘Civic Literacy, Decentralization and Local Governance’.
In 2003, Breanne traveled to Uganda for the first time along with a small group from her church as part of an orphan sponsorship and girl-child education program. While there, she became impassioned with Africa. In 2005 she returned to Uganda, this time to research peace building synergies in conflict-ridden Northern Uganda. This was followed by time living in the remote village of Kyabirukwa on her own, teaching secondary school girls. She also completed field research for her major research project on human security. Breanne is also part of a three-person team that is currently sponsoring 5 students in the village of Kyabirukwa, with the aim of helping these children complete primary and secondary school.
Locally, Breanne has been involved with the Tomorrow Team, a youth program associated with St. Augustine’s Anglican Church. She not only led the junior and senior youth, but also organized summer camps and participated in many church activities. In 2002 she spent a summer counselling children at Camp Medley, in Gagetown, NB. She has also been actively involved with the Canadian Red Cross as a Disaster Management Instructor, Responder and briefly as a Branch Counsel Representative. In the past few years, Bre has been involved in refugee and immigration work in Saint John.
Breanne is not only adventurous, but energetic, and brings this to the table when interacting with children in the many programs she has volunteered with. She is credited with creating inventive programs and with her ability to get people involved with the many projects she takes on.
Her life mantra is: “Strength to dream, Courage to act, Faith to endure…”
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