Local youth focus on character, healthy lifestyles, academics
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EVANSTON — Members of the Evanston Youth Club for Boys and Girls recently participated in its first semester-long “Earn a Hoodie Program.” Club members, staffers, program sponsors and board members met the last week of December to recognize the accomplishments of those who pursued and obtained their individual goals this semester.
“The Earn a Hoodie program started at the beginning of the school year and we’re going to do it every semester. We had a ton of kids sign up,” program director Cecilia Adams said.
After months of pushing themselves toward their goals, in the end, 11 students and three board members successfully earned hoodies.
The Earn a Hoodie Program breaks down into three categories: Good Character, Healthy Lifestyles and Academics. Participants individually choose a category in which to set a personal goal.
For example, Jonny Arazola decided to focus on his academics this year and he ended up not only earning his hoodie but also finishing the semester with straight A’s.
“Sierra Dacey and Damaris Gonzalez worked out twice a week, or really any chance they got,” Adams said of two students, who were recognized for excellence in the healthy lifestyles category.
Uinta County Attorney and Youth Club board member Loretta Howieson was one of the Earn a Hoodie recipients.
She spoke to students before the awards were distributed, saying, “Thank you all for challenging me to make a difference. You should all be very proud of the hoodie that you’ve earned here today.”
Howieson pursued a goal associated with the ‘Good Character’ category. She visited schools throughout the community, talking to students about the dangers of sexting, cyber bullying and hazing.
As an idea initiated to encourage personal growth, the Earn a Hoodie program will continue for students next semester. Those who haven’t participated but want to will be given an opportunity. Students who earned a hoodie this semester will be encouraged to participate again in a different category for development.
Students recognized included Damaris Gonzalez, Easton Kopp, Jonny Arazola, Sierra Dacey, Berenice Flores, Bailey Purcell, Alex Sanchez, Alex Martinez, Jeremiah Ojeda, Jessie Ibarra and Celeste Ayala-Gomez; board members recognized included Dave Huggins, Loretta Howieson and Caroline Goick.
