Program News 2006
Youth Leadership Special Achievement Award Ceremony
Good Shepherd staff and young people from our residential programs gathered recently for the Fourth Annual Youth Leadership Special Achievement Award Ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of our youth in areas such as academics, independent living skills, courage, community service, and leadership. Executive Director Sr. Paulette LoMonaco opened the evening by thanking the recipients "....for being such good role models for the staff. When we see you striving and achieving, it encourages us to give more and more of ourselves."
The event was hosted by Samuel Lopez, a resident of our Chelsea Foyer program, and a multiple award recipient. "Change takes mental, physical and social action," he addressed the assembled crowd, "Make today the first day of the rest of your life. You are worth the effort." Sam, who will be moving into his own apartment later this summer, has recently graduated college and been accepted into an MSW program.
For the second year in a row, the ceremony was held at The Top of the Times, a space generously donated by Common Ground Community, our partners in operating the Foyer. Entertainment was provided by honorees LaToya MacFarlane and Alexandra Esquilin, who read their poetry.
The enthusiasm was contagious as our young people basked in the recognition of their accomplishments and celebrated each other, with the good mood bolstered by a slight break in the recent heat wave. "Every year I am more and more impressed by the accomplishments of our youth," said Denise Hinds, Assistant Executive Director for Residential Programs, "By their actions, we can see that they are young people with bright futures and the potential to accomplish great things."
July 20, 2006
