North
County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU) held
its 5th Annual Youth Appreciation Awards Dinner on October 16 in
the May Center of DePaul Health Center.
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>This year 16 youth within North County were recognized for their outstanding achievement in various categories. NCCU President Rance Thomas said, “These students are being lifted up as role models for their peers within their schools. Often we only hear about the negative things that happen among students, but the vast majority are doing positive things within their schools and in their communities.”
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>This year’s winners were:
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“font: 7.0pt”> “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>High School, Academics – Maggie Burreson, Lutheran North High School; Kristen McPike, McCluer High School; Madeline Thompson, Lutheran North High School
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“font: 7.0pt”> “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”> High School, Athletics – Alexis Armstead, McCluer High School; Kemora Williams, McCluer-Berkely High School; Kelsey Mansfield, Lutheran North High School; Jared Ingram, McCluer High School
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“font: 7.0pt”> “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>High School, Community Service/Leadership – Brittney Watkins, Hazelwood West High School; Jessica Brinkley, McCluer High School; Kristen Henderson, McCluer High School
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“font: 7.0pt”> “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>High School, Arts – Morgan Meyer, Lutheran North High School; Kamaria Keeley, McCluer North High School; Adrienne Thompson, McCluer High School
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“font: 7.0pt”> “font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Middle School – Makaiya Smith, Holman Elementary School; India Powell, Halls Ferry Elementary School; Courtney Andrews, Hazelwood East Elementary School.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I was a little scared but excited. I haven’t got up to speak in front of a group of people in a long time,” said Courtney Andrews, a sixth-grade student at Hazelwood East Middle School. A straight-A student, Andrews said math is his favorite subject.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I like working with numbers,” he explained. His parents, three sisters and grandfather all attended. One of his teachers nominated him for the recognition.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“It feels really great to receive such an honor,” said Brittney Watkins, a senior at Hazelwood West High School who attends Central Baptist Church. She plans to attend Princeton University and major in political science.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I enjoy history and English. I just like words, they have always fascinated me since I was a young girl and history. I like learning about the past because it can help you move forward into the future.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Henderson, who was nominated by the City of Hazelwood Police Department and St. Martin de Porres Church in Hazelwood, volunteers some of her time at her former elementary school, Lusher, and her former middle school, Hazelwood Northwest.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I was thrilled, excited and just really, really happy to be seen and recognized for what I have done in the community,” said Henderson. After graduation, she said she plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and specialize in physical therapy.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“My favorite subject is math. I just like to work with numbers,” she said. “But at the same time, I like health class because I like to learn what goes on in my body.”
“font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana;”>For further information, contact Dr. Barbara Thompson at (314) 780-4464 or Dr. Rance Thomas at (314)238-6828.
