By Gina Elefante
Eleven philanthropic youth volunteers from nine local nonprofits were recognized at The Youth Center’s 10th Annual A Night Among the Stars awards ceremony on April 2 for their amazing commitment to give back to their community.
The night was filled with moving stories of the many causes students dedicated their time over the last year like raising awareness and funds for animal care, fighting hunger, tutoring elementary and middle school students, writing letters and collecting donations for veterans, and giving hope to children and teens who struggle with isolation and difficult challenges.
The event?packed room was inspired by every nominee’s effort to make this world, challenged by so many difficult issues, a better place. As shared by Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center, “It’s easy to give up and do nothing. These Stellar Volunteers give their time and talents to give us all a brighter future by making a difference in our community.”
Nominees acknowledged for this year’s awards included: Autemn Coleman, Amelia Drukker, Ally Hatakeyama, Adam Jorge, Michael Jorge, Katelyn Loh, Evan Moore, Quincy O’Connell, Alice Phee, Katie Velez, and Marina Zhao.
The Youth Center awarded $2,000 in scholarships to four Stellar Volunteers. The S.E.T.H. Lion’s Scholarship was awarded to Katie Velez, nominated by VBA Leos. Amelia Drukker, nominated by Girl Scouts of Orange County, and Ally Hatakeyama, nominated by The Youth Center and LAHS, received scholarships from Rossmoor Woman’s Club. Katelyn Loh, nominated by Los Alamitos Education Foundation, was awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos for her “Courage in Volunteering”.
“We thank all the dignitaries, community members and families who came out to support these wonderful youth volunteers”, shared Shelly Clark, Director of Youth Programs, “this support is what makes our community solid.”
For more information about The Youth Center, please visit www.theyouthcenter.org