January is YouthFriends Recognition Month
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart." Elizabeth Andrew
January has long been known as a month where we make New Year's Resolutions, re-evaluate what is important and renew our goals and priorities. It also happens to be YouthFriends month and as part of that, Galena YouthFriends would like to recognize our volunteers, school staff, and community partners who have faithfully supported our Galena program throughout the year.
YouthFriends is a program that connects students with adult or high school volunteers within the school setting with weekly contacts to encourage students academically and personally. Galena is fortunate to have a program that has been thriving since 1999 because of the committed folks who see our students worth the time it takes to be a volunteer/mentor.
“Making a Connection” is part of what makes YouthFriends at Galena Schools so successful. Pairing of adult volunteers with students has proven to be a great experience for those who have chosen to participate.
We currently have 35 volunteers serving as lunch buddies, mentors, or working on special projects. We also have 54 high school students who have trained to be YouthFriend Corps and connect with a student on a weekly basis. The friendships develop over time and great connections that will be remembered long after the students graduate, is an awesome happening to observe and experience.
We would like to thank all of our volunteers who have committed their time to students on a weekly basis. These dedicated people are the reason the Galena YouthFriends program has been thriving since 1999.
High School YouthFriend Corps
Amy Ruger, Kayleb Shere, Jordan Roberts, Stephanie Newcomer, Caity Riley, Skylar House, Jared Carver, Chelsea Sofia, Garrett Thurlo, Brianna Thurlo, MaKayla Fidler, Bria Lamica, Rhiann Shepherd, Shane McDonald, Rachel Harding, Danielle Dugan, Zach Roberts, Tori Adams, Levi Sturgis, Brenton Hood, Tyler VanCleave, Shantel Barker, Haley Babbitt, Rickie Tracy, Carolina Johnson, Ray Slimp, Colby Sherrell, Shelby Meinert, Charla Vogel, Chad Shepherd, Kaitlynn Flowers, Ashlyn Holt, Alivia Price, Ben Mohesky, Kansas Martin, Gabby Willbee, Bailey Titus, Chelsea Oliver, Ashley Blankinship, Scott Anderson, Austin Clark, Marissa Blevins, Jessica Richey, Trenton Little, Kyndra Thompson, Amber Waggoner, Justin Cantrell, Zack Gougler, Cheyenne Stiles, Colton Keeler, Ashley Cook, Randi Willard, Kristina Adams and Tina Wood.
Adult Volunteers
Adrienne Dodge, Sandra Evans, Teressa Berry, Rachel Channel, Jessica Hall, Toby VanCleave, Rayma Cram, Ross Bailey, Catherine Summers, Pat and Clyde Stansberry, Sharon Anderson, Anna Lisa Dunaway, Reena Williams, Kendra Dorris, Jaime Medley, Susan New, Sherry Phipps, Theresa Noland, Carli Holt, Susan Ezell, Terri Warstler, Lisa Perry, Amy Price, Dave Schepper, Deb Brooks, Angela Price, Marcia Smith, Mary Williams, Myra Carlisle-Frazier, Sheryll Vogel, Amanda Haney, Trudy Jenkins, Brad Krouse and Bryon Hanson.
If you would like to become a YouthFriends volunteer, contact Teressa Berry or Theresa Noland, YF Coordinators for Galena USD 499 at 783-4499 Ext 1202.
