Touching Senior Testimony from a St. Ann Youth Program Teen

A graduating senior in the St. Ann Youth Program explains what he received from the Program during his years of involvement. His touching testimony is worth a read! Learn more about our Program at stanndc.org/youth

What have I gotten?
Through my years with Youth Group I have gotten to meet so many new friends and inspiring guest speakers. I remember when I first started doing service hours with Natalie. I would work in the Library helping sort books into a computer, and when Natalie brought up the idea to come to a Youth Group meeting, I was so intrigued. I was excited to see the kids from around the area that would come, and it was nice getting to make new friends and get to know new people. Hearing all the guest speakers has given me a new way to view life and others around. I remember one speaker reminiscing about how he lost all of his money in a blink of an eye and didn’t know how he had gotten to that point in life. This taught me a lesson. He was lost and ended up on the streets with no friends or family to call. This made me really think about the family and friends I have in my life. I have to constantly remind myself to value the people in my life and keep good connections with everyone I can. Although he was at such a low point in his life he was able to rebound and is back to living a great life. This goes to show that you should never judge people or turn them down for being in a vulnerable situation.

Advice?
If I could give advice to any of you from a kid to a kid I would say to make friendships early and try to keep them for as long as possible.

Favorite activities?
Some of my favorite activities throughout the years have been spending time at the Overmyer’s house, skiing, playing dodgeball, having water balloon fights, and eating food at the BBQ. The past couple of years have been overshadowed by the pandemic. When COVID first hit, all of the activities that we would normally have done had to be reworked for social distancing.

Two years ago, the Overmyer’s generously invited us to their beautiful house to kick off the season. We all had a great time playing in their backyard.

Unfortunately, later that year, tragedy struck and their house burned down. Daisy and her family have been good friends to us, and I would like to thank them for inviting us into their home.

Lastly, it has been great to know all of you as good friends. And of course I would like to thank Natalie and Dennis for all the time and dedication they spent with the Youth Program during these years.