Community Corner
2015 Young Woman of Distinction Merlyn Tejada
The Darien resident is one of six to be honored by the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk at a May 7 luncheon at Woodway Country Club.
Merlyn Tejada requires three things of herself. Namely, that she gets every job done right, that she works hard, and that she enjoys her successes along the way. Merlyn is a scholar resident in the Darien A Better Chance (ABC) program, where she quickly distinguished herself as a leader with her strong work ethic and unwavering positive vibe.
She hails from the Dominican Republic and more recently, from the Bronx where she lives with her mother and two siblings. She moved to the ABC house in 2011 to further her education and is currently a senior at Darien High School.
As a 2014 National Honor Society Inductee, Merlyn mentors and guides her younger ABC peers and has served as a volunteer tutor to other Darien High School students.
Find out what's happening in Darienfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Merlyn’s passion is in the sciences and the interconnection of living things. With lots of options and lots of intellectual talent, she hasn’t picked her major. The environmental sciences beckon, as do international affairs and pre-law.
A whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, Merlyn volunteers at Person-to-Person once a week. Spanish being her native language, Merlyn is the perfect person to greet Spanish-only speaking clients at the reception desk where she translates their needs to other volunteers.
Find out what's happening in Darienfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Merlyn is also very involved in extracurricular activities at the high school. She is in the Environmental Club, Gay Straight Alliance (a support group for anyone), serves as a Big Sister mentor for incoming freshmen and is a class representative in community council. Somehow Merlyn also finds time to intern at Darien’s Rucci Law Group.
Katie Egan, resident director of ABC says it all. “Merlyn is an excellent example of a well-rounded, determined young woman and has an extremely bright future ahead of her.”
The 6th Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards and Luncheon are taking place on May 7 at Woodway Country Club from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ywcadariennorwalk.org, by calling 203-655-2535, or in person at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk office at 49 Old Kings Highway North in Darien.
