2014 Youth Recognition Award Banquet

On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, Rochester Area Youth Assistance honored 29 youth at the 40th Annual Youth Recognition Banquet. The event titled “Little Seeds, Big Deeds” was held at the River Crest and is co-sponsored by the Rochester Area Optimist Club.

Honorees, their families and community members enjoyed a special presentation by Ms. Kristin Penrose, Miss Mid-Michigan Outstanding Teen, followed by a buffet dinner and awards presentation. 2014 Honorees represented Rochester Adams High School, Stoney Creek High School, A.C.E. High School, Rochester High School, Van Hoosen Middle School, West Middle School, Baldwin Elementary School, the International Academy and Notre Dame Prep.

The students were recognized for their involvement and dedication to many organizations, including Common Ground Crisis Line, Crossroads Correction Center, First Congregational Church, Heart to Hart Mentor Group, O.A.T.S., Project S.H.A.L.O.M., the Rochester Adams Gay-Straight Alliance, Rochester Area Neighborhood House, SCAMP, to name a few.

The Judith Coats Memorial Award was awarded to a senior, Jasman Sidhu, Rochester Adams High School, for her personal resolve and community service. A $500 scholarship was awarded to one deserving senior by the family of Judy Coats. Judy was a member of the RAYA Board of Directors from 1991 through 2009. She is remembered as a dedicated volunteer to Youth Assistance and, especially, the Youth Recognition Program.

Pictures from this special night can be viewed at http://danteetor.zenfolio.com/raya2014.

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