NYLI participants receive governor’s recognition

Students from the National Youth Leadership Initiatives of Preston and Taylor Counties enjoyed a pool party in celebration of their achievements last week. Shown from left to right are Matthew Marrero, J.P. Harr, Walesca Marrero, Shyanne Elsey, Rachel Miller, Kirsten Reneau, Briar Hickman, Victoria Marrero, Nic Marrero, Holli Metz, Joe Solberg, Bridgett Collins, Micheala Dowling, Laken Jones, Sherri Dowling, and House of Delegates member Mike Manypenny.

GRAFTON – Several of the National Youth Leadership Initiative (NYLI) members met at the home of Walesca Marrero for a pool party last week.

House of Delegates member Mike Manypenny was present at the gathering to give certificates from the governor to these young men and women who have worked hard to be leaders in both Grafton and Preston High School.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin sent awards with Manypenny for each student recognizing their “positive example for youth across West Virginia.” Students from Taylor County, who were recognized are members of Taylor County Breaking the Cycle, while Preston County members of NYLI are known as Preston County Turning Point.

In addition to the Governor’s certificate, their respective group organizers, Walesa Marrero and Sherri Dowling, also recognized participants. Awards given by the group organizers acknowledged each student for their unparalleled dedication to curb teen pregnancy and substance abuse prevention efforts.

Participants were also recognized for 250 plus community service hours over the last year.

Susan Davis of Taylor County Starting Points and Sharon Kraft-Deem of the Taylor County Partners In Prevention Team also recognized various youth during the outing for their “Youth Prevention Activities Performed in 2012.”

Group participants are currently working on the back to school backpack program that will be conducted at Tygart Lake later in the summer.

In addition, high school and middle school students discussed the possibility of hosting a Youth Summit at both schools this year.

Turning Point of Preston County members recognized included Holli Metz, Laken Jones, Bridgette Collins, and Micheala Dowling.

Taylor County Breaking the Cycle members recognized include: Kirsten Reneau, Shyanne Elsey, Rachel Miller, J.P. Harr, Matthew Marrero, Nic Marrero, Joe Solberg, and Victoria Marrero.

Both groups are currently recruiting youth in Taylor County Middle School, Grafton High School, and Preston High School.

Anyone interested in joining can call Walesca Marrero or Sherri Dowling, at 304-265-6838, or log on to their website at www.tcbreakingthecycle.org.