Feb 05Youth prove they are stars
From tutoring to volunteering to teaching kids how to play soccer, El Dorado County’s young people give thousands of hours back to the community each year. Many of those youth recently received Youth Star Awards for their tireless efforts.
The El Dorado Hills Community Vision Coalition hosted the ceremony on Dec. 14 at Lakehills Church. Dinner was prepared and served by the El Dorado High School’s Culinary Arts students.
Picture originally captured by Village Life by Noel Stack.
Vision Coalition Executive Director DJ Peterson commended the 33 recipients and told the audience that those people who have encouraged and inspired these impressive teens — parents, teachers, counselors — should also be celebrated. Peterson noted that if he hadn’t received support when he was a young person he likely wouldn’t have been involved in the highly successful DARE program.
Mercy Housing resident service coordinator Eddie Zacapa attended the event with his Youth Star award nominee, Marco Sanchez, who volunteers with Mercy’s after-school and summer lunch programs. He also started a soccer event for the housing development’s youth.
“He goes far beyond other volunteers,” Zacapa said. “Whenever there’s an opportunity to serve, he’s there.”
That sentiment was echoed by many proud parents and mentors who attended. Peterson and coalition coordinator Raeann Jones read each recipient’s nomination form, which outlined many impressive accomplishments. Vision Coalition Board of Directors President Roger Taylor, Vice President Bill Wild, Secretary Shannon Hoff and Directors Nancy Courser and Barbara Smiley handed out awards. The young people also received certificates from Assemblywoman Beth Gaines’ office.
For more information about the El Dorado Hills Community Vision Coalition visit edhvisioncoalition.org.
Youth Star Award recipients
Taylor Bartosh
Jacob Bassett
Garett Bouillon
James Brooks
Jorday Bui
Kaden Call
Sean Campbell
Katelyn Clevenger
Emily Davinroy
Martina Dickerson
Jenna Rae Fitzgerald
Gabriel Garcia
Hayden Green
Sabrina Grellas
Alisander Hoff
Jeremy Kennedy
Hannah Krueger
Lilliana Maclis
Kadie Macy
Ximena Ortega
Julia Phillips
Nick Prasad
Josh Prettyman
Vijay Raavi
Karenna Ramstrom
Ryan Rose
Rachel Russell
Madelyn Salerno
Jenny Sink
Deven Thorne
Nicki Van Sickle
Kaylee Wilson
This article was originally posted by Village Life
Read the original here: http://www.villagelife.com/news/youth-prove-they-are-stars/
