Emcee: Anthony Sparks
Emcee for the 2023 Youth In Service Awards was Anthony Sparks, a Birmingham based speaker, content creator, and development coach with a heart for youth and passion for service to his community. His passion and wit shined through on the day of the awards and he was truly a gift to the presentation! |
Education Partner of the Year:
Rebecca Blumenfeld Ms. Blumenfeld (at right), Career Academy Coordinator at Carver High School, has won Teacher of the Year at the local and state level, and was integral in the creation of the YouthServe Changemaker Councils, piloted with her students at Carver High School in 2015. Her councils have won two Altec Innovation Achievement awards, which led to $20,000 of investments at Carver for quality water distribution and recycling. |
Community Partner of the Year:
Tamika Holmes Since 2014, Tamika Holmes (at right) has been the light for her community through her work at the Community Care Development Network, providing mentoring and education to youth, workforce development for youth and adults, as as well providing basic needs for families like food and clothing so they could focus on making a better life. Since 2018, she has provided YouthServe students space and opportunity to share and participate in her vision. |
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Creative Service Award: Girl-Powered Tutoring Club, Julia Downs & Radhika Pant
From left, Julia Downs and Radhika Pant (ASFA) Ms. Downs and Ms. Pant led students in the Math & Science Program with Alabama School of Fine Arts to coordinate with Girls Inc. in Crestwood to provide regular tutoring in math and reading under the guise of a fun after-school club for girls in elementary school. Click here for Girl-Powered Tutoring video presentation. |
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Advocacy & Awareness Award: Community Conversation on Sex Ed, Youth Action Council Small Group
From left, Nalin Reed (ASFA), Eden Moody (Altamont), Zamir McNeal (Huffman), Maleah Marbury (Ramsay) Students in YouthServe Youth Action Council partnered with national mediators, Braver Angels, to host a conversation for youth, parents, community and school leaders about the need for sex education in school. Click here for Community Conversation video presentation. |
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Overall Impact Award: The Recursion Project Young Leaders Board, Riley Pierce
This Altamont student created a school organization based on the study of root causes of poverty and hosts regular opportunities to serve communities suffering from chronic poverty. Click here for The Recursion Project video presentation. |
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Creative Service Finalist: Ethan’s Heart Mobile Pantry, Ethan Hill
6th Grade Altamont student, Ethan Hill (pictured at right), leads his family and community in service to the Birmingham homeless population with a free pop-up pantry and education center. Click here for Ethan’s Heart video presentation. |
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Advocacy & Awareness Finalist: To The Fullest, Sara Hancock & Radhika Pant
Students at Hoover High School started this student-run breast cancer awareness organization after the loss of a beloved mother. More than 30 students are currently involved in the administration and execution of programs. Lead members are pictured from left, Ayla Steed (Hoover High), Karis Moore (Hoover High), Radhika Pant (ASFA), Maddie Smith (Hoover High). Sara Hancock is not pictured, but leads the organization. |
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Overall Impact Finalist: Attire To Inspire, Youth Action Council Small Group
From left, Kennedy Means (Hoover High), Julia Downs (ASFA), Sydney Black (Shades Valley High), Rosemary Roberts (Homewood High), Will Bittner (ASFA) Students in YouthServe's Youth Action Council partnered with schools, churches, and the Junior League of Birmingham to collect over 400 pieces of interview clothing for working mothers. Click here for Attire to Inspire video presentation. |
