The Blackstone Valley

Youth Leadership Academy Recognizes 16 Exceptional Students from across the Valley

On Tuesday, May 22nd 16 exceptional Blackstone Valley students were recognized and congratulated for completing the yearlong Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy (BVYLA), a unique leadership program of the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation that targets 9 & 10th grade Blackstone Valley students to "enhance their leadership skills and strengthen their connection to the Blackstone Valley". Students along with their family, friends, past BVYLA alumni Timothy Born of Millbury and community leaders gathered at Alternatives GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center in Whitinsville to view the results of their individual community service projects and give recognition for completing this distinctive leadership program just completing its 8th year.

Projects were initiated back in December as students accessed their community's needs and stepped outside of their comfort zones putting to use the leadership skills gained throughout the program like problem solving, project management, decision making, public speaking, marketing using social media, interviewing techniques as well as creative thinking. Each student must identify a need in their own community and then plan and implement an individual community service project as a requirement for graduation. They select a mentor to work with, recruit volunteers to assist and then implement their project during the spring. During the planning process they work in peer review groups, giving each other feedback. They have an opportunity for review and consultation from experienced community volunteers who meet with them in small groups as well. They learn how to write a press release and market their projects using YouTube & Facebook.

The program is developed to allow students to be exposed to the history and culture of their surrounding communities while learning what it means to be a community steward by holding each one of the 12 sessions in a different town throughout the Blackstone Valley running from November through May, outside of school hours.

Recruitment for the Class of 2013 will begin in early September. Applications will be available online. Please visit www.bveducationfoundation.org for more information or contact Julie Salmon at 508-234-9090 x101.

Congratulations to the Class of 2012
Nicholas Bedrosian, Whitinsville - Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Tech
Tea Bourdeau, Millbury - Millbury High School*
Patrick Carey, Upton - Nipmuc Regional High School
Ryan Elster, Sutton - Sutton High School
Haleigh Gallant, Millbury - Millbury High School
Hannah Goddard, Mendon - Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Tech*
Roma Gujarathi, Upton - Nipmuc Regional High School
Robert Healy, Uxbridge - Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Tech
Gabriella Melnick, Upton - Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Tech*
Jenny Quan, Millbury - Millbury High School*
Meg Ryer, Grafton - Grafton High School
Jessica Sharon, Millbury - Millbury High School*
Megan Stewardson, Hopedale - Hopedale High School
Maria Stolarczyck, Sutton - Sutton High School*
Kylie Till, Upton - Nipmuc Regional High School
Melissa Wojnowski, Mendon - Nipmuc Regional High School*
*Denotes perfect attendance.

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About the Education Foundation

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. is the not-for-profit umbrella organization for all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce school-business related activities and cultural programs. Our Mission: To lead and support education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley.