2011 Mayor's Youth Showcase of Achievement Recognizes Some Amazing Teens

For a city that has had its share of recent heartbreak, the Inaugural Mayor’s Youth Showcase of Achievement proved to be a night to remember.

St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster wanted the community to recognize the positive achievements of our youth.

“I wear two black bands on my wrist [to remember St. Petersburg’s fallen police officers]. One, from February when a fallen officer was killed by a 16-year-old. But, we only hear the negative in the media, and not the positive accomplishments of our teens. Tonight, we celebrate the positive, and the goodness in our community,” said Foster.

The event recognized the outstanding accomplishments of 400 middle and high school students in 11 categories: Academic Achievement, Citizenship or Leadership, Fine Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts, Overcoming Adversity, Performing Arts, Center Achievement, Scholar Athlete, Science Technology and Vocational or Business Enterprise.

Hosted by the St. Petersburg TASCO Teen Program, the two-and-a-half hour event proved to be a heartfelt, show-stopping night of awards, entertainment and positive energy.

Twelve-year-old Malcolm Williams ambled his way through the crowd and across Mahaffey’s stage to accept his award for Overcoming Adversity. A slight kick to his gait and his obvious pride touched the heart of a crowd, who only saw a peek of the child’s three-month near-fatal ordeal that started with a stroke and culminated with his walk of fame.

In February 2011, the younger Williams suffered a paralyzing stroke. He survived with the help of a breathing machine, and in the last few months, he’s had numerous operations, and underwent months of therapies to walk, talk and eat again.

His father Officer Mark Williams Sr. nominated Malcolm for the award.

“I wanted to do everything I could do to recognize Malcolm’s efforts. After every surgery, when the doctors said they weren’t sure if he’d survive, I told him never to give up. And he hasn’t. He continually works hard,” said Williams Sr.

Meadowlawn Middle School student William Martinez won for Center Achievement, an award given to outstanding students at city recreation centers.

“I was nervous but happy I succeeded,” said Martinez.

Roberts Recreation Teen Supervisor Alvin Shirley nominated the teen for his constant, positive influence.

“Since sixth grade, he’s constantly improved. He volunteers at the center, tutors peers, does everything I ever ask him. He’s the guy to count on,” said Shirley.

All the nominationees received achievement certificates.

“I’ve never got anything like this,” said Tyrone Middle School student Amber Frank. “It’s cool.”

Frank was nominated in two categories, Scholar Athlete and Center Achievements. The marine biologist hopeful made Principal’s List and played year round sports for her school and recreation center.

Frank’s mother Viola beamed at her daughter’s accomplishments.

“I’m proud of her,” said Frank.

“She puts her heart and soul into it,” said family friend, Carmen Tirado, of Frank’s dedication.

Geoffrey Boyajian, a junior at Shorecrest Preparatory School, had a similar reaction to his nomination in Media Arts.

“I was quite shocked, really,” said Boyajian.

He submitted his only film, which had been screened at Vermont’s 14^th Annual Green Mountain Film Festival in March. Boyajian garnered a runner up win.

Mahaffey Theater’s entire bottom level and the partial balconies buzzed with excitement and joy of over 1,300 people. The audience included students, parents, teachers, mentors and community leaders.

St. Petersburg Leisure and Community Services Administrator Clarence Scott, III, reminded the audience that negative situations are few and far between in Pinellas County.

“We always ask, ‘What’s wrong with them?’ We need to ask, ‘What’s right about our youth?’ Tonight, we recognize what’s right about our youth,” said Scott.

The show, worthy of a professionally televised awards show, energized the audience with local student talents, such as the smooth “Ballad” played by saxophonist Jarred Armstrong, from Boca Ciega High School.

Oak Grove Middle School student and ballerina Ella Titus amazed the crowd with her ballet variation from “Coppelia”.

TASCO Co-host and Assistant Artistic Director Shawn Drouin kept the audience guessing with jokes, passion about TASCO Teens and his quick suit changes in black, red, gold and purple.

The event’s primary sponsor Florida Central Credit Union awarded $500 savings bonds to winners and $100 savings bonds to runner ups.

Brain Robinson, Chief Marketing Director, said the award ceremony provided the perfect venue to recognize youth who are doing something positive.

“Our motto is ‘People helping people’, which we take to heart,” said Robinson.

“When the city called, we were excited. Take a night to celebrate the good things that happen in our community. These kids are doing amazing things … they are our future leaders,” said Robinson.

At the event’s close, Mayor Foster thought the night was a success.

“It’s amazing. We have amazing kids. The level of talent here was incredible, and the musical performances were worthy of Broadway."

Here is a list of St. Petersburg honorees:

Program Entertainers

• Soosha Meeders, Home School
• Peyton Lustig, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• Sydney Wyatt, Baypoint Middle School
• Brandon Sweat, Baypoint Middle School
• Amanda Sherwin, Saint Raphael's Middle School
• Enigma Dance Kru

Mayor's Youth Showcase of Achievement Award Winners

Science and Technology

• High School Winner: Evie Sobczak, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Northeast High School

Vocational or Business High School

• Middle School Winner: Tyler Bittner, Baypoint Middle School

Overcoming Adversity

• Middle School Winner: Malcolm Williams, Home School/ Soaring Eagle Academy
• Middle School Runner Up: Taylor Barnes, St. Petersburg Christian School
• High School Runner Up: Cari Robaldo, Home School/ St. Petersburg College

Center Achievement

• Middle School Winner: William Martinez, Meadowlawn Middle School

Literary Arts

• Middle School Runner Up: Heather Finster, St. Raphael's Catholic School
• High School Winner: Nick Nunnelly, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Mary Reischmann, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Heather Finster, St. Raphael's Catholic School

Fine Arts

• Middle School Runner Up: Daylan Perkins, Baypoint Middle School
• High School Runner Up: Joelle Jahn, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Lauren Olinger, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Cari Robaldo, Home School / St. Petersburg College

Citizenship or Leadership 

• Middle School Runner Up: Gisselle Rodriquez, Azalea Middle School
• High School Runner Up: Morgan Rock, Lakewood High School

Media Arts

• Middle School Winner: Noah Sain, Home School
• Middle School Runner Up: Tyler Bittner, Baypoint Middle School
• Middle School Runner Up: Mallory Stewart-Robinson, Baypoint Middle School
• High School Runner Up: Carson Ritch, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• High School Runner Up: Geoffrey Boyajian, Shorecrest Preparatory School

Scholar Athlete

• Middle School Winner: Olivia Greenlees, Shorecrest Preparatory School
• Middle School Runner Up: Deja Swinton, Northside Christian School
• High School Winner: Katelyn Greenleaf, Northside Christian School
• High School Runner Up: Casey Barszcz, Northeast High School

Academic Achievement

• High School Winner: Sean Bittner, Lakewood High School (CAT)
• High School Runner Up: Adeeb Rohani, Lakewood High School
• High School Runner Up: Noelle Rutland, St. Petersburg High School

Performing Arts

• Middle School Runner Up: Soosha Meaders, Home School
• Middle School Runner Up: Amanda Sherin, St. Raphael's Catholic School
• High School Runner Up: Amanda Puyot, St. Petersburg High School