~ Commission Spotlight ~
Celebrating the Coolest Teens!
Commissioners presented the 2013 "YEA! Awards" (Youth Excellence and Achievement) at their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 17. Three middle school and three high school winners were chosen in the categories of Leadership, Success Despite Difficult Odds, and Volunteer or Community Service.
Savannah Shaw, of Turkey Creek Middle School, was recognized for Leadership and is an athlete, scholar, musician and volunteer. Success Despite Difficult Odds winner Zachary Foyt, of Randall Middle School, was described as a leader and friend to all who has overcome Down syndrome and difficulty communicating verbally. Homeschooler Avalon Theisen was awarded her "YEA! Award" for Volunteer or Community Service as a result of her countless hours promoting conservation and ecological awareness, specifically for frogs.
In the High School Division, Plant City's Nicholas Rodriguez is a football quarterback, baseball pitcher, student leader, scholar and bone marrow donation champion; he's the recipient of the Leadership Award. Ana Gomez, of Leto High School, won the Success Despite Difficult Odds for her perseverance in the face of personal tragedy, homelessness and bullying; today, Ana is a leader at her school and she works on anti-discrimination efforts. And, in the area of Volunteer or Community Service, Jesuit Preparatory School student Zack Aldridge was honored for more than 500 hours of volunteer service to others at Metropolitan Ministries. Zack was homeless for many years, but always made his education a priority; now that he is doing well, he says he "wanted to pay it forward".
Congratulations to these amazing young people!
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