Following in the Steps of Doris Rosenblum -- There's New Leadership In The Strycker's Bay Community

 Hi All and Happy 2011,

I have been away from Neighborhood Commons for a bit -- relocation of our administrative offices and housing program wasn't an easy assignment -- but I will save that for another blog post....I am glad to be back and sharing with you the announcement of the recipients of the Third Annual Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Awards. 

Doris Rosenblum

I personally knew Doris from the time I was a 1st grade student at PS 75 -- The Emily Dickenson School on West 96th Street. That was sometime ago. Doris led parent and community activists to support small schools and helped establish West Side High School (now known as the Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School) more than 30 years ago. Ramon, Cuevas, SBNC's Assistant Director, Ramon “Been” Vasquez, senior staff at LACASA and I are all alumni of WSHS. She was a board member of Strycker’s Bay, District Manager of Community Board #7, and appointed Manhattan Borough Historian.

Doris was a leader, mentor and teacher -- a path these young community leaders are now on.  This years recipients exemplify what LACASA strives to help young people achieve. In the face growing pains and difficult teen years these young people have developed a sense of personal responsibility, social responsibility and their path to leadership and success.

I am excited to announce this year’s recipients of the Third Annual Doris Rosenblum Youth Leadership Awards. They are exemplary teens of Strycker’s Bay’s Youth Program, LACASA —Learning Action Center for Academic Success and Achievement and are great leaders in the making. The award presentation will take place at Strycker's Bay's Community Matters event on Thursday, January 20, 2011 .

Congratulations  Diana, Lauren and Willie!
Strycker's Bay Needs Leaders Like You!

Diana Metz, started as a volunteer with LACASA during the summer of 2008. In the ‘08-’09 academic year, she served as an assistant to a homework help group and the fitness club at LACASA’s Afterschool program. She has worked closely with Ramon “Been” Vasquez in the fitness club and has encouraged the girls of LACASA to get more involved in fitness activities. She is a well rounded youth worker with very strong leadership qualities, can play any role at LACASA and has the full confidence of the LACASA’s program coordinator, Melissa Long. She is expected to graduate from Beacon High School in June 2011 and  plans to attend college in the fall to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Lauren Howard, at the tender age of 14 Lauren joined the LACASA family. She was introduced as a volunteer and later participated in our high school internship program where she was trained to perform as a group leader. Strycker’s Bay has given Lauren opportunities to learn, lead and thrive. She has taken advantage of each opportunity offered and has blossomed into a young leader full of potential. Lauren is now an afterschool  group leader with LACASA, working with our Kindergarten group. This once timid volunteer has turned into an activity organizer, classroom instructor and rising leader at LACASA. Expected to graduate from A. Philip Randolph High School in June of 2011, Lauren plans a career as a psychologist.  

William "Willie” Breslau, currently in his sophomore year at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, joined the LACASA family in September 2010. Willie walked in the door with his own plan to inspire and  reach children. Willie formulated a plan, raised money for it and has carried it out to perfection. He is using Taekwon-Do Martial Arts to inspire, build confidence and dreams in students just a few years younger than him with much success. LACASA prides it self in giving young people the opportunity to lead and mentor younger participants. Willie has inspired others through his selfless work with LACASA kids.  

I look forward to seeing all of you at Community Matters on Thursday, January 20, 2011.

Until the net post...


Kelley