By Brooklyn DeShazer
For some, volunteering means helping younger students. For others, it means supporting a local organization, helping at a family event, carrying on a family tradition or simply finding a way to step away from the daily grind. Service can take many forms, but it all starts with the desire to help others.
On Sept. 19, the community came together at The Youth Center’s annual Crystal Hearts Ball to honor individuals, families, organizations and businesses that have chosen to give their time, skills and energy to help others. Their stories span different ages, interests and communities, emphasizing that there is no single path to making a difference.
The Mediterranean-themed evening brought students, community members, organizations and businesses together to celebrate service and the impact it can have on children and families.
For Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Abby Bednar, giving back began with something she already had a passion for: singing and dancing. High school can often be stressful, making it difficult for students to find healthy ways to step away. Bednar shared how performing arts helped her relieve stress and connect with friends while encouraging young people to step away from screens and discover something they love.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to be part of programs like Camp SHARK that give kids the chance to try new activities, make new friends and discover their passions,” Bednar said. “Getting to see kids smile, laugh and truly enjoy themselves has made me realize that even the simplest experiences can make the biggest impact on your mental health.”
Fellow Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Kayla Tang used her interest in technology to help others stay safe online. Through Cyber Force, an interactive program focused on data privacy and cybersecurity, Tang teaches students how to navigate the digital world safely.
“Together, we will fight big tech in mock trials, catch scammers and demolish nasty little malware. The Air Force protects our skies, and Cyber Force will help us protect our online lives,” Tang said.
Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Thai Vu centered his service on understanding and inclusion. Through his work with fifth-grade students and The Youth Center, Vu promotes neurodiversity awareness and helps students better understand and support their neurodivergent peers.
“Leadership isn’t just about blowing up the Death Star. It can be the small act of just including someone,” Vu said. “A simple hello is what changes the world.”
While some honorees found service through personal interests, Allison Han, recipient of the Crystal Hearts Youth Award, found her path by creating opportunities for others. As co-president of The Youth Center’s Leadership Council of Students, Han has spent the past seven years helping develop programs based on students’ needs and ideas.
Han has helped develop programs such as Meaning Meeting Mindfulness, an emotional awareness project; Seeds of Service, which introduced elementary students to civic engagement; and Prep for Success, a program developed directly from student feedback.
“The guidelines of leadership are not an act of order, but rather an act of reflection, fostering growth in those around you,” Han said.
For Carol and Steve Chudy, recipients of the Family Award, volunteering has become a family tradition. Each winter, Carol crafts handmade wreaths for The Youth Center’s Christmas Tree Lot, while Steve runs the register and greets customers.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Chudy family made it a priority to look for what needed to be done next to support The Youth Center.
“Every time I open our electric bill, I’m reminded of this beautiful family because their solar gift means those dollars go right back to kids,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
This year’s Crystal Hearts Ball demonstrated how much a community can accomplish when people are willing to take time out of their day to support others. Each honoree followed a different path, but their mission was the same: making a positive difference in the lives of others.
2026 Crystal Hearts Award Recipients
- Individual Award: Marian Last
- Youth Award: Allison Han
- Organization Award: Seal Beach Leos Club
- Family Award: Carol and Steve Chudy
- Business Award: Southland Credit Union
Junior Crystal Hearts Honorees - Abby Bednar
- Thai Vu
- Drew Hatakeyama
- Kayla Tang
All photos by Tim De Shazer