  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.  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!!!    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!!!    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
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!  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.  AMEXCAN at Pitt CC Student Organization The AMEXCAN at Pitt CC Student organization received a $200 Mini-Grant from Young Women of Promise to support the following project: The AMEXCAN at PCC student organization hosted it’s first Friendsgiving and Loteria event on November 30, 2022. The purpose of the event was to promote unity amongst the campus community as well as to highlight and celebrate the Latino/Hispanic culture. Students gathered from the PCC community as well as from the PCS Early College High School and ECU’s AMEXCAN student organization. During the event, students were able to fellowship with other students, enjoy traditional Latin and Hispanic cuisine and be entertained by Latin music. It was certainly an evening filled with thanksgiving and joy. The students were able to share information about this new organization and formally invited students to join the organization. How many young people (ages 5-25) participated as leaders, planners, and/or volunteers? - 78 How many adult volunteers participated as leaders, planners, and/or volunteers? 8. How many people were directly helped by your project(s)? 80 + How many people were indirectly helped by your project(s)? 10+ What results did the activities achieve or what changed because of the project(s)? (Include numbers of specific project outputs if possible.)
 A'Niyah Grant South Central High School - Winterville, NC Parents: La"neika & Shon Bruinton College Aspirations:
Estimated number of service hours:
Summary of volunteer and schools activities
What motivates you to serve:
How has your work touched the lives of youth and others in your community or school
Do you have a personal motto or bible verse that guides your life
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What advice would you offer to other youth wanting to serve
 Y’Anna S. Rivers
Parents/Guardian: Sherrell Rivers Name of Organization/or School: Warsaw Elementary School College Aspirations: Attend college pursuing a doctoral degree to become a neurosurgeon Estimate Number of Volunteer Hours for 2022: over 100 Summary of Volunteer Activities DKY Family Farm, school events/concessions, Warsaw Parks & Recreation, assisting elderly neighbor, delivering packages to rest home Activities: National Beta Club, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball, First Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir & Sunday School, KEMBA Youth member, Battle of Books, Future Teacher Program & Miss Veterans Day Queen 2022-2023 What motivates you to serve? I like helping others How has your work touched the lives of youth and others in your community or school? My work in my community has touched the lives of others because I am setting a positive example and other youth look up to me. Do you have a personal motto? Or Bible verse that guides your life? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Describe your family: (parents, siblings, etc.) Mother: Sherrell Rivers What advice would you offer to other youth wanting to serve? I would advise other youth to always set a good example even when you don’t think others are watching. |
Teens & Kids Who CareTeens & Kids Who Care is the service learning and youth recognition program of Young Women of Promise, Inc. Archives
March 2024
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