|
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound honor Youths of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound honors local students
KRIS SHERMAN; kris.sherman@thenewstribune.com
Last updated: February 20th, 2008 06:27 AM (PST)
John Seals wants to make certain that kids who need guidance, advice or simply want to talk “have someone to turn to, someone to open up to.”
Seals, who grew up in the state’s foster care system, says he knows the importance of finding someone in life who’s there when you need them.
He’s made it his mission to help other youths, primarily kids from ages 6 to 12, in a variety of programs through the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound.
Now, he is an even greater role model: A panel of judges selected Seals as Youth of the Year for the region’s clubs last week.
The senior at Tacoma’s Wilson High School won the competition in a group that included five other youths representing clubs from Tacoma to Belfair.
Seals is a member of the D.A. Gonyea branch in Tacoma’s West End.
The regional honor comes with a $2,500 scholarship. Each of the other teens earn a $1,000 scholarship.
Judging criteria included moral character, life goals, overcoming obstacles, club service, school and community record, poise, public speaking and an essay.
The selection was difficult, said Joe Lawless, one of seven judges.
“All six of those candidates were phenomenal kids, and selecting one of them was unbelievably challenging,” said Lawless, executive director of the Center for Leadership & Social Responsibility at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Seals stood out for “his poise and his maturity and his genuine concern for others,” Lawless said.
Seals will represent the regional clubs in state Youth of the Year competition next month.
His list of activities is lengthy, but he said he’s particularly proud of his internship last summer in a program for with 6-to-12-year-olds. Lessons taught included hygiene, strength, community service and “why family is important and why it’s good to trust your friends and make different choices,” Seals said.
“It was for the kids, and that’s what I’m passionate about, helping kids out,” he said.
Seals also pays attention to his elders as a volunteer at Harborview Manor, the retirement center that’s home to his grandmother, Betty Seals.
He plans to attend Pierce College, then transfer to either UWT or The Evergreen State College to earn a degree in social work.
Lawless, who sat next to Seals at a dinner, believes in the young man’s passion.
“Whenever I would ask him about his experience, he would always bring the conversation back around to changing the (foster care) system to help other kids,” Lawless said. “He really does kind of grasp the things that he wants to change in the world.”
The other Youths of the Year and some of their activities, according to a news release, are:
Sionisha Bolong-Pleasant, Al Davies Branch: The Foss High School senior is an honor student in the International Baccalaureate program. Her activities include basketball, the African Dance Drum Ensemble and work at Stanley Elementary School. She wants to attend Washington State University and plans on a career as a professional sports agent.
Andrew Brown, East Side Branch: The Mount Tahoma High School senior has worked in Safe Streets programs to sway kids away from drugs, alcohol and gangs; worked with kids in arts, sports and reading programs; played football; and been on the track team at Mount Tahoma. He wants to attend Florida State University and pursue a career in sports medicine.
Ian Carpenter, North Mason Branch: Carpenter, a senior at North Mason High School, volunteered more than 650 hours in community service projects. He is an Eagle Scout, has been a summer camp counselor in training and helps to refurbish trails and do other work at Theler Community Center and Wetland Trails in Belfair. He plans to attend the University of Puget Sound to pursue a career in ecology and science.
Shauneice Samms, South End Branch: The Mount Tahoma senior has helped run programs to aid younger club members with homework and reading; worked on neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects; participated in several food drives; and played varsity basketball for four years. She plans a career in psychology.
Akina Ignacio, South Pierce County Branch: The Bethel High School senior’s activities include volunteer work at her church, membership in the United Cultural Congress club at school and participation in the Boys & Girls Club Teen Chefs Program. She’s helped with meals at a teen homeless shelter, baked cookies for troops overseas and used her cooking skills in other volunteer programs. She plans to attend the International Air and Hospitality Academy for a career in culinary arts.
Kris Sherman: 253-597-8659
Meet John Seals
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound Youth of the Year
Age: 18
School: Wilson High School, Tacoma
GPA: 3.2
Career goal: Social work
Current job: Teen Light Night at the Boys & Girls Club
His favorites
Subject: History
Book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Band: Oasis
Food: Macaroni and cheese
Advice to other kids: “Stay focused and stay positive. Keep a crowd of positive people around you.”
Originally published: February 20th, 2008 01:23 AM (PST)
|
