The Richard Williams Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of Richard Williams, who founded YES in 1968. While he did not achieve more than an 8th grade education, Richard realized that education was the key to unlocking dreams. The Richard Williams Memorial Scholarship continues Richard’s legacy by giving Boston teens the financial support to pursue a post-secondary education. We are proud to announce the 2021 Richard Williams Memorial Scholarship recipients below.
Maliwan Banyen
Clark University (Worcester, MA)
Roslindale teen Maliwan became a YES youth at the age of seven when she started participating in Operation Snowsports with her older sister. She joined YES in 2013 for the early Leadership Corps program (Junior Volunteers at the time). Ever since, she has been a part of the Leadership Corps program, volunteering in the Operation Snowsports through YETTI and shop nights. She has also been a summer teen staff with Outdoor Adventure camp for three years. Through her time at YES, Mali has found an inclusive space where she can share her experiences and learn from others. She has built her confidence as a leader and prepared for college and beyond. Outside of YES, Mali is on the Diabetes Teen Advisory Committee at the Children’s Hospital, the Teen Advisory Council at Boston Latin School, and is a member of the Varsity Soccer Team and Valeo FC club. Mali is attending Clark University with plans to focus on pre-med track and plans continue to play soccer. She hopes to one day work in the medical field.
Zcarri Weekes
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Dartmouth, MA)
Dorchester teen Zcarri joined YES in 2015 as a Junior Volunteer. Ever since, he has been a part of the Leadership Corps program, volunteering in the Operation Snowsports through YETTI and shop nights. He was a speaker at the 2020 Virtual YES Annual Celebration where he told his story and shared his experience with Leadership Corps. Throughout his time at YES, Zcarri has built his confidence and adaptability as a leader in workshops and on volunteer trips. He has been instrumental in helping train other volunteers as well. Outside of YES, Zcarri is a part of the Rise Program at Camp Harbor View, a volunteer at the Animal Rescue League, and an active member of his school community at O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. Zcarri is attending UMass Dartmouth with plans to focus on Animal Science. He hopes to become a veterinarian.