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PRESS RELEASE: Excellence in Summer Service Education Award Honors 22 Young People

9/4/2009

Indianapolis, IN - On Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00pm at the Indianapolis Art Center, the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) and the partners of the Summer Youth Program Fund honored 22 local young people with the Excellence in Summer Service Education Award. Mayor Greg Ballard spoke at the ceremony honoring the work, commitment, and service young people provide our community in Marion County summer youth programs. Keith Veal, President of Sustainable Solutions was the keynote speaker, and Willis Bright, Director of Youth Programs at the Lilly Endowment, wrapped up the evening.

John Brandon, President of MCCOY was the night's emcee. "Thanks to these young men and women, thousands of Indianapolis children had positive and productive experiences in summer camps and programs across our community," said Brandon. They helped keep children safe, taught their campers new skills, and provided countless opportunities for learning and development. This award recognizes the tremendous contribution each made to our community."

"Beyond providing a positive atmosphere and encouraging growth and maturity, these activities can also help prevent crime among our young people by engaging them in meaningful programs that can lead to a brighter future," said Mayor Ballard.

Through her work at the Indianapolis Algebra Project (IAP), award winner Keisha Merriweather, a student at Decatur Central High School, has learned just how much children want to learn. "Most kids from 'the hood' are labeled as dropouts and not very smart", she said. "For the past three years, I have seen nothing of the sort. I have gotten the chance to work with willing students who want nothing more than to feel like someone does care about their education."

Fifty-five young workers from 25 different summer programs submitted applications for the Excellence in Summer Service Education Award. At the awards ceremony, the 22 winners received a certificate of recognition and $1000 to be used for education-related expenses such as buying books or equipment, paying tuition, or making a deposit in an educational savings account.

Read the stories of the 2009 Excellence in Summer Service Education Award winners:

• Brittany Bryant, 19, Camp Coach at Ebenezer Retreat & Camping Institute
• Elizabeth Buck, 21, Summer Staff at CampAbility at Easter Seals Crossrods
• Julian Edwards, 20, Camp Counselor at Edna Martin Christian Center
• Danny Englehardt, 22, Program Coordinator at East 10th United Methodist Youth Center
• Kathleen Flannery, 21, Counselor at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa
• Ismael Garcia, 21, Leader at La Plaza
• Kailee Grabbe , 21, Lead Instructor at National Junior Tennis League
• Jasmine Graham, 18, Assistant Supervisor at the Indianapolis Algebra Project
• Lindsay Hearn, 22, Intern at Young Audiences
• Kayree Horn, 21, Camp Counselor at Redeemer Hospitality Mission’s Son Seekers Day Camp
• Katie Johnstone, 21, Camp Counselor at CampAbility at Easter Seals Crossroads
• Keisha Merriweather, 17, Math Tutor at the Indianapolis Algebra Project
• Casey Mitscher,22, Intern at Fletcher Place Community Center
• Laquita Pickett, 20, Camp Counselor at Flanner House
• Hallie Robbins, 19, Camp Counselor at Concord Community Center
• Aamber Shake, 17, Small Group Program Coordinator at LeGore Boys & Girls Club
• Sarah Siertle, 17, Junior Board President and Classroom Mentor at Art With a Heart
• Robbie Steiner, 21, Counselor at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa
• Alexandria Stewart, 18, Intern at Indiana Dyslexia Institute’s Camp Delafield
• Davone Williamson, 18, Counselor at St. Florian Leadership Center
• Alexandria Wysinger, 16, Camp Coach at Ebenezer Retreat & Camping Institute
• Christina Zier,20, Head Counselor and Camp Director’s Assistant at Flanner House
  

The Summer Youth Program Fund is a partnership of 11 area grant-making bodies. It seasonally funds local nonprofits that provide much-needed safe, engaging summer fun to thousands of Marion County youth - like recreation, camping, arts, academics, college and job readiness, and cultural enrichment.

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