Sep 10, 2014 2 min read

I believe in young people. I believe in their resiliency, their courage and their dedication. Years ago I created a Youth Champions portion of this column to honor teens when they make a difference and succeed in their everyday lives. Too often we only hear of youth when they falter; I believe in showcasing positive youth.

Ester Clark Barnes of Southwest Training Services Inc. is a great friend who is committed to empowering youth. Ester and I collaborate on many programs.

When we met last week to prepare for a youth advisory board, our discussion turned to some adults’ negative perception of teens. I asked Ester to send me a list of her program’s 2014 graduates and their future plans. These teens want to succeed. Ester is proud of them. I support her and every adult who honors young people. Please join me in congratulating Ester and the youth she serves.

Ralph Bush – RJ Corman

Cheyanne Danneker – McDonald’s

Kira Doaks – Penn State Fayette

Sarah Fiorentini – Slippery Rock College

Kathleen Lapina – Ponderosa

Richard Moore – University of Northwestern Ohio

Beth Lammay – CCAC

David McWilliams – bricklayer – Cost Co.

Sabrina Richards – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Marcus Cazille – Paces

Erin Danko – Duquesne University

Ebony Dean – Waynesburg University

Jacob Knox – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Taylor Kolick – Country Store

Angel Ritenour – Douglas Education Center

Brittany Wilson (Ardeno) – Cracker Barrel

Angela Wright – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Shealyn Brown – U.S. Air Force Reserves/California University of Pa.

Kayla Demo – Mon Valley CTC – practical nursing program

Brandon Kalbaugh – Polymere

Hunter Watkins – River Salvage

Kodi Mooney – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Charleton Toliver – Oil & Gas

Reba Glassman – Shop ‘n Save, California University

Lacey Higginbotham – RGS

Chad Kittle – GMS

Megan Marietta – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

John Reha – Rosedale Technical Institute

Abbigale Havrilesko – Greene County CTC – cosmetology

Jeffery Kennedy – Rosedale Technical Institute

Mikaylin Shields – Waynesburg University

Shauna Shipman – Taco Bell

Mason Householder – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Melissa Carden – Seton Hill University

Cheyanne Finney – Yankee Candle

Samantha Girdish – Penn Commercial

Jodi DePaoli – WACTC – CNA program

Ashley Rhoads – California University

Brandon White – Pittsburgh Technical Institute

Bethanee White – WCCC

Cheyanne Davis – Greene County CTC – cosmetology

Teresa Galloway – Greene County CTC – practical nursing program

Devon Fritz – West Liberty University

Christian Archer – Wendy’s

Zach Jones – Jimmy John’s

Joe Maloy – Oil & Gas

Nicholas Moon – Penn State Behrend

Brandy Simonelli – Rosedale Technical Institute

Mariah Taylor – Dairy Queen

Kaytlyn Weaver – Claysville Vet

Lettie Wilson – Waynesburg University

TiLisa Watts – CCAC

Julia Schuerle – Slippery Rock University

Have a question? Connect with Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski at podmj@healthyteens.com.