YOUTH EMBRACING SERVICE - 2009-2010 AWARD RECIPIENTS
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Youth Embracing Service Program
We are very proud of every one of our YES recipients!
These young men and women exemplify the real meaning of service... giving of themselves, their talents and their time to help others less fortunate.
We were very honored to present a medal of honor, and a $100 Savings Bond to them. Read their stories below their photos. Each are eligible for a $1,000 Savings Bond which will be presented to one outstanding YES recipient, May 16th at our Annual Service Awards Banquet. |
| 2009-2010 Y.E.S. Recipients |
September-2009
Eric Whaley
St. Martin
High School
Touched by a story about an animal who lost its life in a fire, Eric researched and discovered that our MS Gulf Coast Fire Departments did not have the necessary equipment to recsusitate animals in the event of smoke inhalation. Eric produced a video, posted it on YouTube, and held carwashes and other fundraisers to assist in buying 66 sets of Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks for MS Gulf Coast Fire Depts. His goal is to furnish all the local Fire Depts. with these life-saving masks.
Click to view more about Eric's project and how you can help
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October-2009
Maura Worch
Ocean Springs
High School
Maura volunteered countless hours during the summer, splitting her time between painting a 40 foot mural and helping produce the ambitious musical “The Wiz” for the camp children of the Boys and Girls Clubs. The mural, located in the employee’s entrance, was commissioned by the Beau Rivage to celebrate the diversity of its workers there. It took over 60 hours to paint. When she wasn’t working on this mural, she was mentoring dozens of camp children about theatre, design and makeup artistry. “The Wiz” was enjoyed by over 1,200 Boys and Girls Club campers.l
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November-2009
Ashley Calcote
St. Martin
High School
For the past ten years, this young lady has celebrated her birthday and “Make a Difference Day” by raising funds and collecting donations from relatives, friends and the community for the abused and neglected children residing in Hope Haven Children’s Home. In that time she has raised and donated over $10,000 to these children. This year, her tenth anniversary of service, she conducted a car wash and raffle to raise funds. She also adopted a platoon of soldiers in Iraq in 2008 and has collected donations to send to them on a regular basis.
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December-2009
Alexis Broussard
D'Iberville
High School
This young lady was brought to our attention by her very proud mother, who told us that even with her very busy academic schedule, she regularly volunteers to help so many people. She tutors five students at D’Iberville Elementary, 3 days a week after classes. At her high school, she assists teachers with grading, filing, and running errands when needed.
As a member of St. Mary’s church youth group, she visits the residents of the Loyalton Senior Care home on a regular basis, as well as assists with children’s ministries to encourage their spiritual growth. In her “spare time”, she visits the children in the Harrison county Emergency Youth Shelter to play games and offer friendship and encouragement.
All of this is pretty remarkable, considering she maintains a 3.3 average while serving her school for the last three years as a varsity cheerleader.
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January - 2010
Daniel Roberts
Moss Point
High School
Daniel was proudly nominated by his school’s Guidance Counselor, who sent us an impressive 6 page resume of service to his school, service to the disadvantaged, and service to his community.
From carwashes to citywide cleanups, community service is not new to him. He serves in leadership positions in several organizations, has been selected to represent you at numerous civic and academic summits. He has volunteered to mentor younger children, encouraged citizens to vote, helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity, cut grass, picked up trash- even assembled playground equipment for a local daycare.
But his most impressive accomplishments include those where he saw a need – and took action! By working to unite the city and take a stand against violence… by serving as the only student on the Gulf Coast in the planning of the Brother to Brother Male Summit… By helping to develop a mentoring program for elementary students… by hosting Youth Empowerment Seminars… and we’ve no doubt… he’s just getting warmed up! |
February - 2010
Brianna Cuevas
Long Beach
High School
Despite of, or perhaps in spite of.. her ongoing battle with a foe that would buckle the knees of most people, Brianna is known as a champion for others she considers “less fortunate”. Brianna was diagnosed with cancer 5 weeks prior to Katrina...but that's the beginning of her story. She is in remission, thanks to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and has formed her own "army", speaking on behalf of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital...most recently on Good Morning America. Brianna donates her wonderful artwork to raise money for the American Cancer Society and The Pink Heart Fund as well as St. Jude’s.
She is considered an active spirit mover at St. Thomas Church, singing in the Life Jam Band and assisting in the 2nd grade religious education classes. She is also a member of the District champions Girls Soccer Team, Key Club and the Long Beach Substance Abuse Task Force. Remarkably, she manages to do all this while maintaining her honor roll status at Long Beach High School.
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| 2008-2009 Y.E.S. Recipients |
October-2008
Arizona Gregory
Bayou View
Middle School
Arizona was recognized for raising over $2,500.00 for various charities, by asking for donations instead of gifts for her birthday.
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November-2008
Brendan Arnold
Ocean Springs
High School
Brendan organized the American Diabetes Association HealthFair & Walk in his hometown (a first for the area), which raised over $7,200.00.
He's already planning for next year!
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December-2008
Jacoby Bell
D'Iberville
High School
Jacoby volunteers his time to read to the children at D'Iberville Elementary School, and motivates them to stay and school and do their best. |
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January-2009
Alexander Lawson
Harrison Central
High School
Alexander has a long history of community service with the American Red Cross, UNICEF, MDA, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army and local nursing homes.
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February-2009
Holley Cunningham
Resurrection Catholic
High School
Holley raised the necessary funds to build an accessible playground for the children at the Jackson County School for Exceptional Children. The project has a total value of $94,000!
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March-2009
Kevin Kovacevich
Ocean Springs
Middle School
Kevin raised nearly $300 from family and friends for CASA. The money collected purchased a vast number of games, craft supplies and treats for the Jackson County Youth Shelter. Currently there are 450 children going through the court system in Jackson County. He hopes to make this an annual event. |
April-2009
Bryce Gillenwater
Bayou View
Elementary School
Bryce "grew up" with Quota. His Mother and Grandmother are active members. But Bryce has never been asked to participate in Quota projects. He always VOLUNTEERS! He has helped pack school supplies, passed out water for fundraiser walks, collected baby items for the WRC, even designed the current hot air balloon logo for our current President! At 11 years old, he's one of the hardest working "non-members" in Quota!
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May-2009
Drake Senseney
North Woolmarket
Elementary School
Drake (a 1st grader) wrote, created and produced a book, which he published and sold for $1 each. All of the proceeds he raised was given to his friend, Lexi, who is suffering from cancer. At presentation time, he had raised $3000! His goal was $1,500. Thank you Drake, for reminding us that you're never too young to help a friend and
make a difference !
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June-2009
Katie Hart
North Gulfport
Middle School
Katie learned about the Women's Resource Center, a non-profit organization serving women and men on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with free and confidential services. At age 13, Katie serves WRC every Thursday after school by sorting diapers, folding letters, labeling envelopes, putting out new brochures, and much more. Katie learned that the center was in need of a washer. Katie's family happen to be getting a new washer so she ask her parents of the center could have their old one. She was so excited about being able to provide the center with an item that was something that the center couldn't do without.
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If you would like to nominate a deserving youth, please select from the following,
or contact Vicki Miller - 209-3627
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