C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
YOUTH WARRIORS
On July 18, 2009, the San Francisco Youth Commission and the Youth Empowerment Fund Advisory Board presented Youth Warrior Awards to these 12 young people who have made a commitment to bettering themselves and the community around them.
Jah’Torri Bettis, 16, Oasis For Girls, has mobilized family members to celebrate new life, as well as commemorate those who have passed on as a result of extreme community violence.
Monica Carlos, 23, The Beat Within, has successfully completed her parole from California Youth Authority and now serves as a wonderful role model, public speaker, and a youth advocate.
LaJoy Crenshaw, 17, COO, always volunteers at community events and has connected over 150 youth from her Sunnydale community with jobs and summer camp. She is leaving SF for college to become an attorney.
Abayomi Jones, 23, 100% College Prep Club, started Real News ‘zine at 16 and serves as the publisher, editor, and contributing writer. He plans outings outside of California for the Hebrew-Cultural Community.
Robert Alexander Roan, 18, Bayview Apartments, is a willing and enthusiastic volunteer and positive role model for younger children in tenant activities and the Computer Learning Center.
Linda Liu, 17, MYEEP, juggles six different afterschool activities, maintains a good GPA, consistently helps out others, and uses leadership skills in serving a number of organizations.
Araceli Leon, 18, Mission Cultural Center, has been a participant and volunteer for the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts for eleven years and now recruits at-risk students to become involved in activities.
Che’Graftanay Mims, 16, POWER, demonstrates great passion for learning, participates in community activities in both the Fillmore and Bayview, and sets a great example for her peers and her community.
Jessica Kyo, 19, CCDC, has a ‘never give up’ mentality and will help whenever needed. She does not hesitate to reach out to youth and engage conversation to ‘break the ice’ and make another person feel comfortable.
Joann Carrizalez-Duarte, 17, DCYF SEED Program, has never missed a day of work; shows up on time; ready to work; always with a great attitude, and makes inspiring suggestions, opinions, and feedbacks.
Minh Le, 18, VYDC, quiet by nature, Minh has challenged himself by taking on a leadership role to educate other Asian Pacific Islander youth about LGBTIQ issues and substance abuse and prevention.
Rafael Moreno, 20, HOMEY, an Aztec dancer, community leader, workshop facilitator, and SFSU student, Rafael turned his life away from violence and actively advocates for other youth to do the same.
