We learn my making choices and then reflecting on our experience. As the famous American educator and philosopher John Dewey said, "The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action."
Teenagers have zillions of options open to them, every time they go online, walk down the hallway of their school, or wake up on a Saturday morning. Learning to make good choices has always been a big part of the teen years. But these days, it's uniquely challenging.
That's why the Watertown Youth Coalition is so important. The teachers, mentors, and peer leaders involved in the program don't tell youth what to do, but they come alongside them as they make choices, offer good information and coaching, and help them reflect on what they've done, so they can make even better decisions next time.
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The WYC held its end-of-the-year celebration and awards ceremony last Wednesday at Arsenal Park. I was truly inspired by the stories told about the people who were honored that night. Join me in congratulating them, and rededicating ourselves to actively supporting youth in our community.
Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders (graduates): Mane Harutyunyan, Kiley Alpaugh, Zohra Yaqhubi,Tessa Colameta, Golshan Zaheri, Anurag Budhathoki, Riwaj Thaptiya, Eddie Tai, Ken Tai
Watertown Public Schools: Ann Koufman-Frederick (Superintendant of Schools),
Jean Fitzgerald (Assistant Superintendant), Donna Ruscekas (Director of Health and Phys. Ed)
Community: Deborah Peterson (parent and active Youth Coalition member), Patrick Ferdinand (WHS Girls Basketball Coach) Stephanie Sunderland-Ramsey (Wayside Multi-Service Center Program Coordinator and Watertown Youth Coalition Co-Chairperson), The After Graduation All Night Party Committee (a large group who worked on the party after graduation to keep the students safe and sober).
