From elementary to high school, the Boys and Girls Club honors students

Jan 21, 2014

From an elementary school student raising more than $600 to a Harvard Book Award recipient, 2014’s group of Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Spirit Award winners had long resumes for being young.

The nomination and selection process was overseen by principals and staff at the Boys and Girls Club and the Gleason Family YMCA. The students are recognized for their character, leadership, determination and belief in justice and equality for all.

“It is a pleasure to work with these students,” said Wareham Public Schools Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood.

And the honorees were:

Charlemya Erasme. The Wareham High School senior won the Harvard Book Award -- and has also applied to the Ivy League School. She is a volunteer, an athlete, a sports blogger (for Wareham Week) and much more..

“This year, it was a unanimous selection,” Wareham High School principal Scott Palladino said regarding Erasme’s award.

Jasiti Pol. An 8th grader, Pol has never received a grade lower than an A. In the community, Pol has earned citizenship awards.

“She has a very polite and calm manner in which she handles herself with the students as well as the staff,” said Dan Minkle, middle school assistant principal.

Kevin O'Brien. The Wareham Cooperative School’s O’ Brien used his band, We Stand in Awe, to raise money for Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Boston. When not studying or playing with the band, he works the overnight shift at Target.

“Kevin is a very friendly, empathetic friend to all of our students,” said Kathleen Moore, Wareham Cooperative School principal.

Codey Parker. Parker is a student at West Wareham Academy, described as having “shown tremendous personal growth and respect for his community and for himself.” He was credited for having “persevered through many personal challenges without losing focus on his goals.”

“He is always the first student lend a helping hand to other children,” said Wendy Miranda, West Wareham Academy coordinator.

Cody Goodwin-Gilson. The Gleason Family YMCA’s aquatics director, Mel Dyer, introduced her employee with pride. Goodwin-Gilson is in the School to Career program at the Y. Dyer and Goodwin-Gilson have worked closely together, especially on the “Snowy Nights Bright Lights” event in December.

“He has worked tirelessly at our facility, doing whatever is asked of him,” said Dyer.

Emilyann Schluter. The 3rd grader at Minot Forrest Elementary School had a simple idea that, with the help of her parents, took off. Setting out to raise $200 to get 100 meals for families in need, she ended up raising more than $600.

“Can you be part of the Boys and Girls Club’s fundraising staff?” director Ken Fontes asked.

Anajae Council. The Decas Elementary School student collected 12 cases of toys for the annual Dick Melloni Toy Drive. Council is also a member of the National Honor Society, through which she helped raise about $1,000 for charity.

“I’m very happy to be introducing her today,” Shaver-Hood said.

Billie-Lyn Gomes. The Upper CapeCod Regional Technical School student, has a taste for the culinary arts and has volunteered her cooking skills. She intends to attend Bay State College for fashion merchandising. Outside of the classroom or kitchen, Gomes plays volleyball and has worked at Minerva’s Pizzeria.

“She is highly respected by all staff and faculty,” said Shaver-Hood.

Leah Higgins. The Wareham Middle School student and member of the Boys and Girls Club has been described as “phenomenal” with her efforts at the club, winning "member of the month" several times.

“I wish I had 500 Leah Higgins,” Fontes said.