Continuing from the end of 2009, I'll be posting some articles that were written over the past 12 months about the events and accomplishments of the EYC last year. I hope to post them in chronological order just to show all the awesome things youth have done down here at the centre.
The following was originally printed in the Essex Free Press back in May:
Local Stars Recognized By EYC
by Marc Rocheleau
All stars have connected to one destination after a year of planning by a local teen.
Beginning in March 2008, 17-year-old Essex Youth Centre (EYC) member Jasmine Wood’s Dare To Dream project recently came to a head. Connecting Stars, a book of visual and literal art by local youth, was released last month to promote mental health awareness. On May 11, EYC hosted a coffee house to celebrate the book and its best entries.
“The coffee house is to celebrate the completion of the Dare To Dream project,” said EYC Executive Director, Sandy Larivee. “To honour the winners and present them with their prizes.”
After a panel of judges, including Larivee, Jason Moore from AM 800, Domine Rutyshire from Teen Health Centre, Steven Dale from the University of Windsor and teacher Paul Loncke from Essex High School, reviewed 67 submissions, they chose three of the best in each category. Literary winners were Tia Nicoletti, Chase Copat and Jenna Petrie in first, second and third respectively. In visual art, Heather Ferguson earned first, Kayan Ywung came in second and Stephen Dronin placed third.
Winners received cash prizes, a copy of Connecting Stars and a letter from Essex MPP. Bruce Crozier. Although not all recipients made it to the ceremony, those who did were proud of their accomplishments.
“I didn’t know it was so well known,” said Copat, a 17-year-old Walkerville High student. “It was fantastic. I’m really proud about my contribution and at what Jasmine’s accomplished.”
Receiving a $5,000 grant by the Provincial Centre Of Excellence For Child and Youth Mental Health last spring, Wood (once suffering from depression) began organizing the book. EYC member Kelly Howe (17) assisted Wood with the book’s layout and St. Clair College Child & Youth Worker student , Tanya Nash also spent over 200 hours on the project – continuing to help after her 20 placement hours were completed.
All proceeds from Connecting Stars are split between Kids Help Phone and Teen Health Centre. Each book costs $5 and information on purchasing a copy can be obtained by calling EYC at 519-776-9000.
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