All Categories - Young Women Of Promise, Inc.

Meet ZyKing Kemarion Harris: 2026 Kids and Teens Who Care Winner

1/13/2026

Young Women of Promise - Planting Seeds of Promise video

ZyKing Kamarion Harris is the son of Zamiya Garris and Kalunta Harris. He is 10 years old and a 5th grader at Creekside Elementary School.

Family is very important to ZyKing. His family includes his Auntie Qualyasia Hines; grandmother Devona Staton and great grandma Pearlie (Miss Pete) Staton and his uncle Akaheim Garris.

Zyking favorite activities include football and playing games. He loves earning money.

ZyKing has a very competitive spirit.

ZyKing and his friend Makari and members of Young Women of Promise, Inc. created “Makari’s Garden” in the summer of 2024 and 2025. Starting with plants they received from a community garden workshop, he has planted, nurtured and shared garden goods like tomatoes, peppers and sunflowers.

ZyKing and his friend Makari are recognized today as a Teen & Kids Who Care recipient because of his service. ZyKing and Makari are featured in an upcoming e-book:Plant with Love, Grow with Friends which will be released in 2026.

Meet Makari Streeter: 2026 Teens and Kids Who Care Winner

1/13/2026

Young Women of Promise - Planting Seeds of Promise

Makari Streeter is the 8 year old son of Rahein and Towanna Streeter. He is little brother to Kreshon Streeter and big brother to King Streeter.

Makari has received numerous academic and character recognitions for his success at Ridgewood Elementary School where he is currently in the second grade.

Makari is a fierce and competitive athlete in soccer, basketball and flag football.

He enjoys playing the piano.

Makari, his friend ZyKing and members of Young Women of Promise, Inc. created “Makari’s Garden” in the summer of 2024 and 2025. Starting with plants they received from a community garden workshop, he has planted, nurtured and shared garden goods like tomatoes, peppers and sunflowers.

Makari loves to spend time with his Aunt Tee. He has volunteered with her on Sundays at the Something2Somebody nonprofit to help feed the homeless. He has helped prepare books for distribution with the Young Women of Promise literacy program: A Promise to Read.

Makari was selected from over 450 applicants to receive national recognition as a Time for Change Youth Challenge Finalist for his youth garden efforts.

Makari was recognized as a Youth Leader by HYPE Leadership Academy in December of 2025.

Makari is an aspiring writer and loves to write and type short stories.

Makari and ZyKing are recognized today because they are featured in an upcoming e-book: Plant with Love, Grow with Friends which will be released in 2026.

Meet Jade Ham - 2026 Teens and Kids Who Care Award Recipient

1/13/2026

Jade Ham gives generously of her time and talents through community clean-up efforts, fundraising events including multiple occurrences with the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, and by teaching a free crocheting class to others. For the past two years, she has led a special event called Stitches of Strength, which raises awareness about breast cancer and celebrates survivors across eastern North Carolina. What began as a personal passion for crocheting has evolved into a meaningful platform for service and advocacy.

At Pitt County Early College, Jade’s leadership is equally impressive. She has served as a Student Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and active member of several student organizations on both the high school and college levels. As the current SGA President, Jade has led student voter registration initiatives, advocated for expanded student spaces, and collaborated with college administration to improve affordable meal options on campus.

Her leadership extends beyond the student body—she represents her peers with distinction on the College Board of Trustees, working alongside the college president and senior officials.

Jade is aspiring to work in custom interior and woodwork. She is also an entrepreneur, owning a small business, All Made by Jade.

Global Youth Service Month: April 12 - May 12

3/28/2024

2024 Teens and Kids Who Care Recipients

1/27/2024

Meet Xzavier (Ziggy) Williams - 2024 Teens and Kids Who Care Award recipient

1/3/2024

Introducing Xzavier “Ziggy” Williams: A Rising Author and Inspiration

My name is Xzavier Williams, a 13-year-old student at Farmville Middle School, but everyone calls me Ziggy. From an early age of 3 I was diagnosed with Autism, and despite this obstacle, I became a well-rounded student with A’s and B’s, and I am an honorary member of SGA. I was also recently crowned Homecoming King.

Although I initially struggled to adjust to a traditional classroom setting, my hard work and determination helped make a successful transition. I recently published a book titled Ziggy's Super Brain, which has gained recognition around the country. My book's purpose is to inspire young children who have been affected by bullying or discrimination because they have a different ability and to embrace who they are because it is okay to be unique.

One day I would love to go to ECU or Boston College to study computer programming. I know this is a big step because communication, comprehension, and social skills are really hard for me sometimes. My favorite subjects are math and computers. I currently participate in the Autastic Basketball program that my mom started after I didn’t make my middle school’s basketball team a couple years ago. I love to watch and play basketball when I am not playing video games or watching game shows.

I am a caring person with a great personality but because I have Autism, I do not have many friends. I hope to encourage other kids to be nice to those who are different and to not leave them out. I also hope to encourage other kids with Autism to never give up but to work really hard to be the best you can be.
Some of the ways I give back to the community is by helping my mom host inclusive events for those with Autism and special needs. In 2021, and 2022 my mom and I donated money to the elementary school for a sensory zone which they named after me and then to the middle school providing sensory equipment and tools to the EC dept. I have also made cards and delivered them to the kids in the children’s hospital for Christmas to give them something positive to look at while being sick during the holidays. I also sold candy to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House and this year I made blessing bags for the patients at the nursing home in Farmville.

Meet Dillon Ward - 2023 Teens and Kids Who Care Award Recipient

1/8/2023

Dillon Ward

Parents/Guardian:
ReGina Smithwick

My name is Dillon Franklin Ward, I am 18 years old and a student at South Central High School. I’m an AVID student with dreams of becoming an engineer and getting my master’s degree at Virginia State University. I've attended the University of South Carolina Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science Technical Workshops for 3 summers. Plus I have finished my 3 years of engineering classes at South Central.

I'm a big fan of marvel and enjoy watching superhero movies, my favorite is any Spider-man movies. I am a caring person, my main goal every day is to make at least one person a day laugh. This is just a bit of personality; I only hope to grow and learn as I get older.

Name of Organization/or School:
South Central High School

College Aspirations:
To attend Virginia State University and get a Masters degree.

Summary of Volunteer & School Activities:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Something2Somebody

What motivates you to serve?
I like being able to help brighten someone else’s day.

How has your work touched the lives of youth and others in your community or school?

I helped to keep others fed.

Do you have a personal motto? Or Bible verse that guides your life? Make one person smile everyday.

Describe your family: My family is hard-working and loving.

What advice would you offer to other youth wanting to serve?
To just go for it!!!

Meet Franklin Ward, Jr. - 2023 Teens and Kids Who Care Award Recipient

1/8/2023

Franklin Ward, Jr.

Parents/Guardian:
ReGina Smithwick
Name of School:
South Central High School

My name is Franklin D. Ward Jr. I am 18 years old and a senior at South Central High School. I am a theater kid and have been in theater all my life. I love to sing, write stories plus I am a gamer, I often enjoy giving back to the community and conducting public service for those in need. My future dream is to become a senator so I can make a difference in the government from the inside out. A fun fact my favorite color is red.

College Aspirations: Fayetteville State University

Summary of Volunteer & School Activities:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Something2Somebody

What motivates you to serve?
I have a desire to serve the world and help people in need.

How has your work touched the lives of youth and others in your community or school?

I think my work has left a positive impact on their lives.

Do you have a personal motto? Or Bible verse that guides your life?
Serve others before you serve yourself.

Describe your family:
My family is fun and strong and determined people.

What advice would you offer to other youth wanting to serve?
Don’t think, just do!!!

Meet Jaleah Taylor - 2023 Teens and Kids Who Care Award Recipients

1/8/2023

Jaleah Taylor

Parents/Guardian Jasper and Cynthia Taylor

Jaleah and Jasmine Taylor received a $200 mini-grant award from Young Women of Promise for their Loving Through Giving community service project which was held on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Name of Organization/or School: Kinston High School

College Aspirations: Graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Summary of Volunteer & School Activities

Varsity Cheerleading
Part of 5 Clubs (HOSA, Anchor Club, SGA, Drama Club, and National Honor Society)
Volunteering through feeding, coat drives, food drives, many fundraisers, blood drives, many donations, etc.

What motivates you to serve?

Knowing that I put a smile on people's faces, motivates me to keep going in the work God has blessed me to do. It has a positive impact in my life to keep going knowing I also made an impact in others.

How has your work touched the lives of youth and others in your community or school?
My work inspires people to learn and interact, which increases achievement and growth, and improves academic fulfillment. Just seeing it in their faces lets me know I made some type of impact.

Do you have a personal motto? Or a Bible verse that guides your life?
Psalm 46:5

Describe your family: (parents, siblings, etc.)

My family is very much loving, supportive and motivates me to be the person that I can be. They're always here for me if I need them. Very thankful for them.

What advice would you offer to other youth wanting to serve?

If you have a strong desire to serve but are afraid to, I advise you to come out of your comfort zone and go for it. You will eventually get the feel of serving and you’ll feel better as a person just because you went out your way to make an impact in someone else’s life. You would not regret serving within your school and community. I also advise you to join clubs!

Meet Jasmine Taylor - 2023 Teens and Kids Who Care Award Recipients

1/8/2023

Jasmine and Jaleah Taylor received a $200 mini-grant award from Young Women of Promise for their Loving Through Giving community service project which was held on Saturday, January 14, 2023.