The New York Yankees celebrated a handful of exceptional teens on Tuesday, January 19 at a Community Board 10 youth committee meeting. Five super students dedicated to the community accepted $500 Yankee Youth Leadership Awards.
“Every year the Yankees ask each community board to canvas the board service area for young people who have done exceptionally well,” CB10 district manager Ken Kearns said. “We asked the high schools in our area and the 45th Precinct cadet program to forward names of young people they thought would qualify.”
Ashley Freeze, 17, a resident of Co-op City who attends Truman High School, volunteers as a Best Buddy at P.S. 176, where she assists students with autism.Freeze also helps out the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program, dedicated to the prevention of physical and emotional violence among teens.Finally, she also participates in neighborhood charity walks and blood drives.
Elvia Cadena, 18, tutors peers with limited English skills.The Castle Hill resident is a member of the Lehman High School yearbook committee and the St. Helena Church choir.
As vice president of the Preston High School student council, Jessica Murphy, 17, administers a student mentor program, helps pair student buddies, plans new student orientation and manages school events. Murphy has logged more than 250 hours of community service, edits the school yearbook and tutors for Preston’s National Honors Society.
Patrick Labate, a Monsignor Scanlan High School student and City Island resident, has performed more than 500 hours of community service.Labate feeds the homeless at Father Heart Shelter and participates in the Midnight Run in Manhattan. He spent his spring break at Nazareth Farm in West Virginia fixing homes.Labate has contributed to school charity drives and plays sports, such as baseball and bowling.
Luis Celeste, a Lehman High School student, was recently named the Chief of the Explorer Program for the Bronx.Celeste, who hopes to become an officer some day, thinks it’s important for young people to learn about the positive aspects of the Police Department.Prior to his promotion, Celeste, an Explorer for seven years, served as commanding officer for the 45th Precinct Explorer Program.
The Yankeess distribute awards to teens from all Bronx community boards.
Reach reporter Amanda Marinaccio at 718 742-3394 or amarinaccio@cnglocal.com
