Our Youth of the Year and A.C.E. awards were given on April 20th at a luncheon held at Sharkey’s Café at Sebastian River High School.
The Youth of the Year Scholarship recognizes students who have attained high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
Our female Youth of the Year recipient was Remington Monnett. In accepting her award she thanked our club, her parents and SRHS advisor for their support. She is the 2022 Salutatorian of the Sebastian River High School graduating class. She concluded her Youth of the Year essay by saying, “Covid has changed the world, and while this can almost certainly be a negative change, I have managed to maintain a positive outlook on some of the changes in my own life. Just like in nearly every bad situation, there is a flower that grows after the rain, and I am beyond grateful that I have received the opportunity to grow a garden.” Remington has just received the Congressional Medal for Youth Merit and Academic Achievement. The award is the highest honor for young Americans, recognizing initiative, service, and achievement in young people in the areas of voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. She said she is “appreciative of being recognized on this much broader level. It means alot that I have been that much of an influence on so many people and become a stronger student.”
Our male Youth of the Year recipient is Jayden Hughes. Jayden thanked our club and advisors “for believing in me and my hard work” and his parents for their support and guidance. “The achievement that has been most impactful on my life has been the honor of being the first black Valedictorian in the history of Indian River County. This honor has allowed me to embrace the work ethic, tenacity and perseverance that my family has instilled in me since birth, and has provided me with proof of my capabilities. The love and support I have felt along this journey were immense and I am forever grateful to be surrounded by people in my life who believe in me and lift me up in times of struggle. This is the first of many steps that I would like to take to break societal misconceptions and notions that minority individuals cannot accomplish great feats in their lives. I want to be a voice and a symbol that inspires other youth to take advantage of any opportunities given and not worry about potential negatives. Through determination and focus even the most unattainable dreams can become goals right within our grasp.”
The A.C.E. Scholarship nominees have made dramatic changes in their attitudes and performances throughout high school, often overcoming educational, social, and personal obstacles.
The A.C.E. recipient is Emanual Salas Nava who moved to the United States from Mexico at the end of sixth grade and could not speak English. He was enrolled into the English Language Learner (ELL) classes and began to flourish. He entered high school still in the ELL program. His teachers knew he was capable of more and it was decided that he would take some pre-IB and some honors level courses his sophomore year. He excelled. He has continued to excel in the IB Program since his junior year. Emmanuel, due to financial constraints, will attend IRSC before heading to a 4-year university. He will be the first person in his family to attend college. In accepting his award Emanuel said, “the International Baccalaureate program has opened many opportunities for the future, and I appreciate all the help that I have received. Looking back, now know that it’s okay to not be okay and to be different. I would not change anything in my life, even if I could. The challenges I faced made me able to adapt during many situations, to grow, push myself, learn, and achieve. I am grateful for the struggles because they have revealed who I really am. Having this opportunity has made me realize the importance to be myself and help others who need it.”
Margie Duffell