A group of exceptional Huntington High School students is guiding the Young Leaders youth development organization this year.
Founded many years ago by Kevin Thorbourne, Ronald Wilson and Kevin Zaharios, Young Leaders provides area teenagers with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and pursue community serve projects that make Huntington a better place for folks of all ages.
Huntington High School senior Alyssa Sorensen is the organization’s president. Seniors Henry Cartwright and Sylvia Belanger are Young Leaders’ co-vice presidents.
“We participate in many activities and events that are mainly geared to help local people that are less fortunate and need assistance,” Ms. Sorensen said. “We also try to make our community a better place to live in. The Young Leaders organization believes that taking on challenges that can make a difference instills a sense of responsibility to make change. We don’t sit back and wait for someone else to do what is needed; we step up and take action to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Young Leaders is currently on a new membership drive. Meeting are held every other week at Tri-CYA. Interested? Contact Ms. Sorensen at Lyssorensen@ymail.com for more information or to join. Community service hours are available to those participating in Young Leaders’ activities.
Ms. Sorensen is completely sold on the merits of Young Leaders and believes everyone has a role to play in the group. “Growing up, I did not have the same amenities as everyone else and I had to work very hard to support my family,” she said. “So by doing community service in this organization, I am giving back to all those people that helped me. Young Leaders is a great way to get involved and will have a profound effect on your life now and in the future.”
Young Leaders will be involved in this week’s holiday parade through the village and in other related events that same day. The group will also be participating in a shopping spree at Target for local disadvantaged children, who will have an opportunity to select clothes for the holiday season.
“We have also done many food drives where we donate to different food pantries in the Huntington area,” Ms. Sorensen said. “We have upcoming events that anyone can get involved in and we need our youth support to achieve these goals.”
