Program News 2002
GSS Recognizes the Achievements of Residential Youth
This July, Good Shepherd held its First Annual Residential Youth Awards. The ceremony, which was organized by our Youth Advisory Council and staff, recognized the achievements of our young people in the following areas: Community Service, Academic, Special Awards (which include extra-curricular and personal achievements), Leadership, Intern and Independent Living, and Courage/Perseverance. We acknowledged 2 former residents who just graduated from Fordham and Syracuse University, 5 who completed their first year of college and 6 who graduated from high school.
The ceremony, which took place at our 17th Street site, was attended by a great number of young people from our residential programs. It included poetry and musical performances by our young people and a keynote speech from an alumna of St. Helena's and recent college graduate. The atmosphere was one of extreme pride-both on the part of those individuals who received the award as well as his or her friends and peers. The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work our young people have demonstrated in the face of so many obstacles. We intend to make the ceremony an annual event in our residential programs.
July 20, 2002
