Discus Awards

At the beginning of my freshman year I formed a Youth Advisory committee with some of my peers to help promote the GAL (Guardian ad Litem) program on the Treasure Coast. My goal started out and remains; to not only help the children in this system but to also bring awareness about them and the GAL program to our community. Thousands of children in our community through no fault of their own end up in this situation each year. The court system appoints a Guardian ad Litem to represent each child going through dependency court. These trained volunteers put these children's best interest and safety first. I think the GAL program really makes a difference in the lives of these children that otherwise would have no one to speak for them. Without them what would then happen to those children? Who would these children's voices? Who would help them? I'm not sure that most people know just how many abused and neglected children we have in our own communities. I know how surprised and eye opening I found it, to discover how many children go without things my friends and I and take for granted. Not just basic necessities, but the feelings of safety, love, and having people care, I remain committed to this cause and helping these children.

A word to the wise; when forming a committee be careful about who you allow to join. Most high school students need a certain number of community service hours and I have learned there not all will care as much as you do about the cause you are working for. It's like running a business and delegating certain responsibilities need to go to your most responsible and hard working members. Otherwise, you constantly have to follow through and pick up the slack. You can't make other teenagers care as much as you! But, you can lead by example and after a couple of events you'll know who you can count on. Once you've chosen a cause you care about and worked out the details with the non-profit organization to create a youth committee you'll want to identify a need or initiate an event to raise awareness and or funds for your cause.

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Filed under: Colby Lufkin • All-Around High School Students • Meet the Discus Winner