Students involved are listed below:
From Northeastern: the graduating class 2013 was represented by Jeremy Lacey, Jacob Rankin, Ben Claywell, Tyler York, and Nathan Benz.
From Centerville: multi-sport athletes Ally Moore and Katie Smith, twin athletes Brett and
Matt Stoughton, and runners Emily Vance and Shelby Short.
From Hagerstown: seniors Cole Bartlett and Nila Rueter are joined by sophomore Hayley Rogers
From Seaton’s Soccer team: Charlie Stiens and Joel Meckley

High School and Junior High Students  who are involved in YES! groups are deliberately leaving their imprint on Wayne County in a positive way. They meet in small groups at their schools to talk about relevant issues with their peers and caring adults. These students work hard to create ideas and projects that are fun to do and that help others. September marks the month that most of the Youth Empowered to Serve groups start to meet throughout Wayne County. YAR director, Erin Ferguson, facilitates these groups with the help of an adult sponsor from the respective school. 

One past group held a school wide fair with blow up palaces and games to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Another raised funds for a cause by holding a full out concert. Students from Richmond High School served some elderly at a nursing home, playing bingo and talking with the residents. But really the sky is the limit; students get a chance to make a positive difference by doing things that they want to.  

So if you were in charge, what would you do? What’s the one thing that you would change? Where is the one need that, if there were no limits, you would help with? 

 Now let’s find a way to do it! 

A New Face

June 2011, Erin Ferguson was hired as the Executive Director for Youth As Resources of Wayne County. Erin is originally from the Lexington, Kentucky, but moved here with her husband Scott in the summer of ’09. After working at First Bank Richmond, Erin took the position following the retirement of Mary Jo Ward.

Erin loves sports and enjoys coaching varsity soccer for the Centerville High School girls team. She also volunteers as an adult leader for the youth ministry at Fountain City Wesleyan Church. Erin and Scott live in Richmond.

If you or a student that you know is interested in joining either a YES! or Voice group, please contact their Communities In Schools representative or their guidance counselor.  

Currently we have dozens of students involved in Youth As Resources and are looking for more possibilities with even more students!

Service Projects Coming to Community Near You

Be on the look out as close to 100 students will be serving our communities in Wayne County!  This will be taking place over the next few months, so be on watch.