Kennesaw Teen Named Afterschool, Youth Development Rising Star

KENNESAW, GA — During the second annual Georgia Afterschool and Youth Development (ASYD) Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 19, Matthew Brown, 17, of Kennesaw, was one of four students from Georgia awarded with the Rising Star Award.

This award, given to four Georgia youth, recognizes outstanding afterschool or youth development program participants that exemplify excellence in leadership as well as program and community engagement. All award winners have contributed significantly to their program and their community and demonstrated positive leadership and decision-making skills.

Destiny Harrison, 18, of Loganville, Rosalie Vendrell, 19, of Valdosta, and Jamir Wright, 19, of Milledgeville, were also awarded.

Brown serves on the Kennesaw Teen Advisory Council (K-TAC). Speaking to the impact K-TAC has had on his ability to lead Brown said, “I am so grateful to be a part of this club because I have been able to spread awareness and help people make healthy choices that will positively affect their future.”

Harrison serves in a Youth Staff position at the Georgia Teen Institute. Harrison explained what it feels like to contribute to the work of GTI, “to see the implications of my role actually correlate to change means a great deal and makes me feel proud.”

Vendrell works at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. Vendrell emphasized the inclusive nature of being a part of her program. “Working at the Boys and Girls Club means being a part of a brand-new family. Having this second family means the world to me.”

Wright works on the Young Adult Staff at the Georgia Teen Institute. Through GTI Wright found the power of speaking up. As he explained, “I have learned through Georgia Teen Institute that every youth has a voice and that everyone's voice deserves to be heard no matter the circumstance.”

All Rising Star Award winners received a prize basket to support their current leadership roles and future studies.

State Superintendent of the Department of Education, Richard Woods presented the awards.

“These young people are an inspiration to their programs and peers and their work and leadership will not only impact their programs, but will have long-lasting effects across Georgia,” Woods said.