This award recognizes noteworthy youth achievement for private and public middle and high school students from Miami-Dade County in service to their school and/or community. The Youth Hall of Fame was created to commemorate those students whose unselfish commitment of time and energy have impacted others in a beneficial way. In honoring youth achievement, the Youth Hall of Fame serves as a beacon to present and future youth.
There is one winner each in the high school and middle school category who will be inducted into the Youth Hall of Fame. Finalists are also recognized in each of the five Regional Centers of Miami-Dade County Public Schools at the high school and middle school level. Private school finalists will be divided into the Regional Centers by the physical address of the school. All finalists and inductees will be honored at a ceremony at The Fair. Each finalist will receive $100 and a plaque. Inductees will receive $1,000 and a plaque.
- Open to all middle and high school students in public, private, parochial and home schools.
- Students should show an ability to lead and involve others in their community service project.
- Students should demonstrate perseverance, independence, creative and critical thinking skills.
- All services must be documented.
- Community service should be varied with one major community service project highlighted.
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Applications are available at school sites or at the link below. The deadline for submitting is set by each school. Only one application may be submitted be each school. Schools must submit the winning application by December 13, 2011. Home schooled students from Miami-Dade County who will be enrolling in college this fall may call Ms. Diana Venturini at 305-995-1367 for applications and due dates.
Further information is available by email: yhof@fairexpo.com.
Check back soon to download the Walter B. Arnold, Jr. Youth Hall of Fame Community Service Award Application.
Walter B. Arnold Jr. admired the creativity, dreams and accomplishments of our community's youth and wanted to recognize and reward these talented young people. His community service brought him to The Fair where he joined the Board of Directors and served an amazing 41 years. He was named Fair Person of the Year by the Florida Federation of Fairs and was recognized throughout Florida for helping build the state's fair industry.
Arnold lived by his philosophy: "We were born into this world without paying for a whole lot of things. Our payment can be what we do for other people.'' He was devoted to youth programs, community service and the celebration and recognition of young achievers.
In 2001, The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Board of Directors officially established the Youth Hall of Fame Community Service Award to honor the vision and dream of Walter B. Arnold, Jr.
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Angeline Marie Pino, a 12th grade student at International Studies Charter High School, became inspired when she realized she wanted to share the love of helping others. Angeline decided to co-found the American Red Cross Club at her school as a freshman in high school. In the fall of 2009, her dad was forced to close his business due to the declining economy. It was at that moment, that she began to help the homeless and began her advocacy to end homelessness and spread awareness. As an ambassador for The Children's Trust Youth Advisory Council, she became involved with the Homeless Trust. She was able to recruit 80 of her peers.
These efforts to raise awareness earned the attention of the media: newspaper and television. Her goal was to help the homeless community and, along the way, touch her peers and inspire them to get involved and make a difference in their community. She launched a "back to school drive" to collect backpacks and school supplies. Angeline bought children's books to promote literacy and share her love of reading. Angeline believes that we, your average citizen, can make miracles happen.
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Ashley Scarry, is an 8th grade student at South Wood Middle School Center for the Arts. She was inspired five years ago by her grandfather, who she calls "Papa". Papa died after fighting a ten year battle with Alzheimer's. As Ashley saw him lose his memory to the point where he could not speak, eat, or perform daily activities, she chose to fight this disease so that future grandchildren can hear their grandparent's stories and pass them on to their own children. Ashley developed a campaign that raised funds through carwashes, jump-a-thons, and a concert. The money collected was donated to the North East Focal Point Alzheimer's Center, which helped her Papa for many years as his disease progressed.
The carwash was held in Boca Raton and raised $421.12. The funds were used to help provide the materials utilized for memory enhancement, games, arts and crafts, and more. Ashley is a Junior Olympian jump roper and has competed at the local, regional, and national level. This motivated her to conduct a jump-a-thon which raised over $500 for the center. Her last project was a concert that incorporated music and her Mitzvah project. She held weekly rehearsals and played a variety of songs which were performed in front of friends and family. This event raised more than $500. Ashley continues to fundraise for Alzheimer's in her Papa's name.
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