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Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition Newsletter
Tribute to our Graduating YAB Seniors
Special Edition - June 14, 2011 |
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Donate NOW to Sustain Substance Free Youth
As of June 13, 2011
To sustain substance free youth in our community, your continued financial support is needed.
Donations are
tax-deductible.
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Wanted:
Volunteers for June 24, July 29 and August 12 Movie Nights
Laptop computer
Pro-bono graphic designer to work with YAB
Pro-bono bookkeeper
Pro-bono financial audit
If you are interested or know of someone, please contact:
cmastroianni @bbcoalition.org
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Shop & Support the Coalition
Click on the above link to Shop & Support the Coalition.
Thank you!
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Greetings!
To be a teen in today's world is challenging to say the least. Add to that the courage and determination to stand up and advocate your choice NOT use drugs or alcohol and you have a whole new level of challenge and commitment. High School goes by fast, is demanding and yet these teens have found their way through, not only balancing, but excelling at academics, faith, family, friends, work, sports, extra-curricular clubs, interests, AND community service to the Coalition and the Youth Action Board.
Many of these seniors joined the YAB in their freshman and sophomore years of high school, quickly settling in, making a difference and contributing to the mission of the Coalition. It is a truly amazing thing to see. A group of unique, diverse students coming together with one goal, contributing in their own individual way, but at the same time understanding the power that they as a group have to make their voice and presence heard in the community. Anyone who has attended a Coalition school, community or parent presentation, or heard them talk knows just what a difference these students have made. They have all been leaders, making their mark, leaving a legacy of either an idea, a message, an event, or new YAB students they have brought along the way. The Coalition is changed for the better with their service and we wish them every success.
We are certain that this group of seniors will bring their talent, dedication, commitment, and leadership to the next stage of their lives as they have given us, their schools and community. Good Luck Seniors!!!
This newsletter edition features some of our YAB seniors. Please take a minute to meet this dedicated group, read about highlights of their accomplishments and what the Coalition has meant to them.
Some of our YAB Seniors are already off taking on their next challenges, so we didn't get a chance to capture their bios. We, however, want to recognize and thank the following students for their many accomplishments in high school and especially for their work in helping the Coalition and the YAB in its mission by creating a positive voice and presence for teens.
- Kelly Bedard, Seaholm
- Emma Davis, Seaholm
- Zoe Gaber, Seaholm
- Shon Johnson, Groves
- Ashlyn Polk, Groves
Also, if you believe in the Coalition, our youth and the work we do, please take a moment to make a financial contribution via our PayPayl account on our website by clicking the "Donate Now to Sustain Substance Free Youth." We cannot do this work without you!
Working together, with you, for substance free youth,
Carol Mastroianni & Kelly Michaud
Executive Director Youth Program Coordinator |
| Samantha (Sam) Arnold -- Seaholm High School | | |
I have enjoyed every minute of my high school career, but that's not to say I am not excited for it to end! From high school swimming with the Seaholm swimmin' women, to singing my heart out with the voices in the Seaholm choir. I've had a fantastic time meeting new people,
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| | YAB Co-President |
learning new things, and trying new activities these four years-and luckily I have a lot of time ahead of me to do the same! I'll be attending University of Michigan in the fall, and I can't wait to see what my future has to offer!
The Coalition has meant so much to me. I have met so many new people that I would have never had the opportunity to meet! I found a place that allowed me to have my voice, be heard in the community, and I feel like I was able to make a difference. The YAB is a wonderful organization and it will continue to make a huge impact on teens just like me in the future! |
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Maria Banou -- Seaholm High School | |
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| | Maria Banou |
I am a student of Seaholm High School and will be attending Rochester College in the fall, majoring in Accounting. I joined the Youth Action Board in the beginning of my senior year.
Highlights of my high school career includes all the work I put into the growing Theatre program at Seaholm and representing the Youth Action Board at Band Jams. Being a part of the Youth Action Board has given me the confidence to say no to substance abuse and to influence my peers to do the same. I am very proud to wear her "Straight Edge Substance Free" bracelet.
Editor's note: Although Maria's time with the YAB was short, her contributions were many bringing enthusiasm, energy and serious attention to getting our message out to more students in a unique way. Maria was the creative mind behind the YAB's message "Straight Edge Substance Free." She encouraged everyone to get behind this movement and take their own unique stand on the concept.
 | | Straight Edge Substance Free Bracelet |
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| Kaitlyn Krizanic -- Seaholm High School | | |
I was honored to receive the Birmingham Youth in Service Award (from Birmingham Youth Assistance) for my service with the Coalition and Youth Action Board. I received the silver presidential community service award, graduated Phi Betta Kappa and as a presidential scholar. I received a 28 on my ACT and, as a result, received an academic scholarship to Miami University in Ohio. I have passed all the possible skating move tests making me a senior gold medalist in moves and a novice bronze medalist in freestyle as well as a bronze medalist dancer. I also occasionally work as a babysitter.
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| | Kaitlyn Krizanic |
When I went to my first YAB meeting I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and honestly I thought it was just going to be a waste of time, but as soon as I sat through that first meeting I knew my initial thoughts were wrong. I met so many new people and had no idea that I would make lifelong friendships that I would be sad to leave. I never thought that I would want to cry from having to leave all the fun activities I do with the Coalition.
Mostly, the Coalition has given me an identity, a sense of self, along with confidence, and self-esteem. Prior to the Coalition, yes I was chatty with those I knew, but I never would get up in front of hundreds of people to talk. I guess when you love something so much, and you're passionate about it you can do alot. The Coalition has helped me become a better leader, as well as a public speaker. It has given me friends and accomplishments I never thought I would be able to accomplish and put on college applications. |
| Lauren Lawler -- Seaholm High School | | |
YAB has shown me so much more about topics that I knew a little bit about, but needed to know more. I'm so happy that Sam got me to be a part of it this past year and I was happy to meet Kelly and Carol :) Going to different events like the Battle of the Bands as well as Club 42 and other occasions really showed that students in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area actually cared about being drug free and straight edge!
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| | Lauren Lawler |
At Seaholm I was the music nerd. I was in Symphony Band for three years, Jazz Band for four years, Pit Orchestra for three years, Orchestra for three years, Symphony Orchestra for four years, Concert Band for one year, Marching Band for four years, and Oakland Youth Orchestra for three years. Music is a huge part of my life, as well as Chinese! I plan on attending Western Michigan University next year, doing a double major of Elementary Education and Chinese with a minor in music. And I hope that what I learned in YAB will be brought on to college, so I can further educate people about the harmful effects of substance abuse!
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| Allison Leiser -- Academy of the Sacred Heart | | |
I attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart and will be going to the University of Michigan this fall. I played varsity volleyball
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| | Allison Leiser |
and lacrosse, as well as being a part of the National Honor Society. I was also a dedicated leader of the Sacred Heart yearbook, newspaper, and literary magazine. Being a part of the Youth Action Board for the past four years has truly been amazing. The board has allowed me to educate both myself and others about the importance of making good choices. The Youth Action board has given me the ability to make a difference regarding issues I am passionate about. I have loved being a positive influence for those in my community and promoting wise choices. |
| Andrew Pan -- Andover High School | | The Coalition and Youth Action Board, to me, have been about 1) making healthy, positive choices in life and 2) encouraging other teens to make those healthy, positive choices. It's been about being actively involved in the community and being a positive influence for all, while having fun!
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| | Andrew Pan |
The greatest thing I realized throughout my YAB experience was how impactful the youth voice/presence has on the community, and how much it's needed to inspire change -- an all-adult campaign/movement leaves out a critical part of the community puzzle. |
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The Birmingham Community Coalition, a 501(c)(3),non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness and mobilize the entire community to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, with a primary focus on our youth! The Coalition's service area includes... Read On
The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a volunteer high school youth group representing the 12 public and private high schools in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills School Districts. YAB members meet on a regular basis to dialogue on substance use and abuse trends, as well as other important issues teens face today. Based on this information, they plan and organize safe, fun, alternative community-based and supported events and leadership opportunities for teens. |
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UPCOMING COALITION PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, EVENTS &
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
- YOUTH ACTION BOARD (YAB) MEETINGS @ Bloomfield Twp Library, Meeting Room 3, Sundays from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. on the following date 7/10, 7/24. For more info contact Kelly Michaud at kmichaud@bbcoalition.org.
- BATTLE OF THE BANDS @ Shain Park, Downtown Birmingham
Friday, June 17, 7:00 p.m.Substance Free Event & Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity - DAY ON THE TOWN, YAB BAND CONCERT in Downtown Birmingham
Saturday, July 23, time, TBA Substance Free Event & Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity - MOVIE NIGHT, "Despicable Me," @ Booth Park in Downtown Birmingham
Friday, June 24 Substance Free Event & Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity
- MOVIE NIGHT, "MegaMinds," @ Booth Park in Downtown Birmingham
Friday, July 29 Substance Free Event & Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity
- MOVIE NIGHT, "How to Train Your Dragon," @ Booth Park in Downtown Birmingham
Friday, August 12 Substance Free Event & Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity
- COVEY 7 HABITS FOR TEENS TRAINING, open to incoming 9th graders. Sat., September 17
TO VOLUNTEER FOR LISTED OPPS contact Carol Mastroianni at cmastroianni@bbcoalition.org or Kelly Michaud at kmichaud@bbcoalition.org.
WANTED: - Pro-bono graphic designer to bring our Youth Action Board's substance abuse prevention campaign messages to life. Contact Kelly Michaud at kmichaud@bbcoalition.org if you would are interested.
- Pro-bono bookkeeper to reconcile the accounts on a monthly basis. Contact Carol Mastroianni at cmastroianni@bbcoalition.org if interested.
- Pro-bono financial audit. Contact Carol Mastroianni at cmastroianni@bbcoalition.org if interested.
- Laptop computer.
| | Visit calendar for more details
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