Youth Enrichment Services (YES) held their 2020 Virtual Annual Celebration on Monday, December 7. Nearly 100 supporters, volunteers, and friends tuned in to celebrate YES and its achievements throughout the year.
At the event, one new Board of Directors, twelve new Board of Trustees, and four new Advisory Council members were announced:
New Directors
Rashaun Martin
New Officers on the Board of Directors
Arnesse Brown
Derek Fowler
New Trustees
Geraldine Aine
Kalli Catcott
Marie Daniel
Christopher Harris
Michele James
Tim Janicki
Bernadette Peeples
Chris Petryshin
Karenlee Saldana
Alexis Savage
Reneldy Senat
Mary Williams
New Advisory Council Members
Washawn Castro
Celeste Daye
Bob Gaudreau
Alexis Greiner
Special guest speakers included YES alumni and Board of Trustees member, Dr. Eric Carson; YES parent and volunteer, Lombardo Iraheta; and 17 year old Leadership Corps teen, Zcarri.
YES alumni and Board of Trustees member, Dr. Eric Carson, spoke about how YES has impacted his life since first becoming involved with YES in 1970. He is now an orthopedic surgeon and has stayed involved since leaving Boston. Eric stated, “Now that I’ve gone full circle, even though I’m not in Boston, I want to be integrally involved in going forward.” He concluded his remarks by discussing how staying involved with YES and people he has met along the way has greatly contributed to his successes in his life.
Lombardo Iraheta, a YES parent and volunteer, had the opportunity to share the impact that YES has had on his family. He has been involved with YES since 2017, and his son Tyler has been an active participant in the Track & Field and Operation SnowSports programs. When reflecting on his son’s involvement in these programs, Lombardo said, “We couldn’t be more thankful for everything that YES has done for him in terms of driving him to be a leader, demonstrating responsibility, and building on his confidence.”
17 year old YES Leadership Corps teen, Zcarri, shared the difference that YES has made in his life. He has been participating in YES programs since he was seven years old, including the Operations SnowSports and Leadership Corps programs. As he reflected on his past ten years at YES, Zcarri said, “My experience at YES has influenced me greatly, especially to take on any challenge head on with courage. YES has given me more than just something to do in the winter, it has given me purpose.”
Congratulations to the deserving recipients of the 2020 Yes Champion Award:
- DLA Piper (accepted by Partner, Bob O’Connor) – The global legal firm has generously donated pro bono legal services and guidance to YES.
- Vicky Shen and Mike Grasela – Vicky and Mike are volunteer coaches in the YES Track & Field Program. They created a weekly series of workout videos for youth in the program during the spring statewide shutdown. You can check out the videos on the YES website at www.yeskids.org/trackportal
To watch a recording of the event, click here.