2009 Delaware County
Workforce Investment Board Excellence in Youth Awards

YOUTH: GROUP I (AGES 7-15)

William Derrick Freeman, Jr.

Already establishing himself as an up-and-coming leader in the community, William is viewed as a mediator, peacekeeper and calming force among his peers at Chichester High School.

• When upset by a racial incident a school, he channeled his energy into poetry. His poem “I am not Black” won an Editor’s Choice award from an online publication
• William then engaged his peers in conversation about racial issues and shared viewpoints
• An honor student who excels in his classes, William has also had two additional poems published
• In school, he is also on the Chichester Track Team and Secca, and ushers at his church

Tatyana Evette Lowry

At the age of 10, Tatyana has already faced a number of challenges early on in life, including seizures, homelessness, and watching her mother overcome a domestic abuse situation. She has used these challenges as learning experiences by:

• Forming two support/advocacy groups, one for pre-teens who have experienced domestic abuse and with her mother, another one for single, struggling mothers
• Actively participating in Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) to reform education worldwide
• Launching a pen pal program between inner city youth in Upper Darby, Brooklyn and Zambia to learn about their differences
• Serving as the spokeschild for Keystone Mercy Health Plan’s Picture of Health and being recognized by Kohl’s as part of their “Kids Who Care” program

Kaleigh Jaid Weaver

Kaleigh is passionate about helping animals, and at age 9, she is active in volunteering and fundraising. Her activities include:

• Participating in the “Adopt a Boxer” Rescue where she is the youngest volunteer at the shelter
• Raising funds for the project through securing donations at events and donating all of the proceeds from yard sales
• Volunteering her time on Saturdays at the local library to read to therapy dogs
• Encouraging others to get involved in the cause and even inspiring her entire family to participate

YOUTH: GROUP II (AGES 16-21)

Melissa Bondrowski

In 2007, Melissa experienced the unexpected loss of her father, and her actions through this tragedy truly have set her apart as truly exemplary.

• Determined to get into the college of her choice and study Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management, Melissa pushed through her grief to keep her grades and attendance up at school
• While her mother assumed long hours as the sole income earner for the household, Melissa took responsibility for looking after her brother, cooking for the family, and completing all household chores—above and beyond her school work
• She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and varsity soccer team
• Dedicated to volunteering, her contributions include special education therapy through the Quest Equine Center, coaching youth soccer, and the National Student Leadership Conference

John Carandang

A senior at Strath Haven High School, John has been giving back to the community through the Boy Scouts since he was in 5th grade. A conscientious leader, John’s activities include:

• Contributing over 100 hours to his Eagle Scout project, above and beyond cleaning up trash along Rose Valley Road, cleaning up local parks, planting trees and shrubs and reshelving books at Swarthmore Library
• Serving as one of only eighteen scout staff (out of a Council of over 5,000) for the National Youth Leadership Training Course and being inducted into the Order of the Arrow honor society
• Being active in school as an honor roll student and member of the Marching Band, where he has held leadership positions that include big brother/big sister and Field Major
• Running on the varsity cross-country and track teams and dancing with the local ballet company

Meghan Cawley

Inspired to service by a cousin who is legally blind, Meghan has been deeply involved with service to the blind and visually impaired since a young age. An honor student at Archbishop Prendergast, Meghan’s contributions include:

• Volunteering for the Saint Lucy’s Day School fundraiser through designing the ad book, preparing food, assisting the handicapped attendees, serving food and cleaning up
• Playing softball with the Highland Park Community since age five and now that she has outgrown the league, serving as an assistant to mentor younger players
• Being an active member in her church’s youth group and serving as a Youth Eucharistic Minister
• Participating in a kickboxing program which teaches self respect and the importance of spreading it among peers

Rashod Davis

Known around Chester High School as a courteous, outgoing and motivated individual, Rashod is always willing to help his fellow classmates, as well as anyone else in need. He is involved in a long list of groups and activities, which includes:

• Participating in the Best of the Brightest Club, Chester Youth Collaborative, Chester Youth Council, Hi-Q Team, Band, Peer Mentoring, College Advance Program and Talent Search Program
• Giving back to the community through volunteer work at Crozer Chester Medical Center and Chester Housing Authority
• Serving as Homecoming King for the Class 2009
• Working hard in school to be an honor student and maintain perfect attendance as he prepares to attend college in the fall for Computer Engineering

EXEMPLARY ADULTS

Bige Chambers

A tireless leader, teacher, coach and advocate for youth in the Chester community, Bige has long demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of youth in many ways. Some of the ways in which he has supported youth include:

• Volunteering for local organizations including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and The Center Foundation, where he served as a mentor for a teen dad.
• Founding the Chambers Foundation, a non-profit that will house and support formerly adjudicated youth as they reintegrate into the community
• Forming a Nerf Soccer League which engaged 70 boys and girls ages 7-10 from Chester, as well as 10 older youth staff

Michael Gray, Sr.

Dedicated to actively working toward improving the educational and economic opportunities for all youth in Chester for over 20 years, Michael is passionate about giving back to the community, as demonstrated by:

• Launching I Can I Will (ICIW) to help inner city youth “achieve their goals and realize their dreams” through activities designed to reinforce life skills leaned in school, as well as for youth to share their goals and dreams
• Sponsoring a Youth Gardening Program and holding a neighborhood Block Party for the past two years. The event, which features local painters, musicians, vocalists along with youth volunteering as vendors has raised funds to purchase school supplies for those in need

Over the years, Michael has been honored with a number of awards, including the Outstanding Community Service Award, Chester Scholarship Fund, Outstanding Achievement Award, George Raymond Freedom Award, and Warren Burton-Joseph Derry Award.

Joseph R. Manfre

A visionary leader in developing youth programs in Delaware County, Joseph’s work has positively impacted youth for over 38 years. Highlights include:

• Serving as Chairman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Golf Tournament, which has raised in the neighborhood of $473,200 in research funding over the past 13 years
• Coaching Monsignor Bonner’s basketball program for 16 years, for which he received the Medal of Honor Award, as well as baseball in numerous leagues across the county • Affecting close to 7,000 youth annual through supporting programs that include Summer Stage, the High School Pool Program, daycare, playgrounds, summer camps and youth groups

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYERS

Maris Grove

In support of its mission, “We share our gifts to create a community that celebrates life,” the Maris Grove retirement community is dedicated to encouraging young adults to form relationships with the community’s residents. Maris Grove employs over 230 middle and high school students. These students are required to maintain a “C” average, and a 90-day Leave of Absence is available to those who struggle with balancing school and a job, without jeopardizing their position. Residents thank students through funding a scholarship program, for which $4000 was raised and 20 students are eligible this year. Maris Grove also supports a Peer Trainer program, which seeks to develop student employees who demonstrate leadership both in the workplace and the classroom. Last but not least, outside of the workplace, the company works in conjunction with various organizations to equip special needs students with the skills needed for post secondary employment.

Mitchel Robbins Jewelers

For the past sixteen years, Mitchel Robbins Jewelers has gone out of its way to provide support to youth in the community. Many students have completed their junior and senior year work experience projects in the store, receiving mentoring in marketing, merchandising, retailing and general business principles. Mitchel Robbins Jewelers has also sponsored numerous sports teams and programs in Newtown and Broomall, even contributing for two dugouts to be built for the Marple-Newtown Petticoat Softball League. The jeweler has also supported local Boy Scout Troop 468 and Cub Troop 151 through the purchase of camping equipment, as well as a trip to Ground Zero in 2001 to lay a wreath and pay tribute to the heroes at the World Trade Center. In addition, Mitchell Robbins Jewelers supports two $500 scholarships awarded for volunteer work at Marple-Newtown High School and another at Delaware County Community College.