On May 24, 2023, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) hosted its annual Afterschool End-of-Year Awards Day. The exciting event was organized by GYAC’s director of youth programs, Curtis Webb, and provided an exceptional opportunity to celebrate students and staff for their accomplishments from the 2022-2023 school year. To recognize their hard work and dedication, awards and certificates were presented throughout the evening.
To begin the ceremony, tenth-grade student, Leo Swanigan, welcomed students and guests while serving as the moderator for the celebration. Other students who attend GYAC, including De-Arrah Swoope and Aalaya Allen, spoke during the ceremony. A heartwarming prayer was delivered by Ms. Swoope, ninth-grade student, followed by opening remarks by tenth-grade student leader, Ms. Allen. During Ms. Allen’s speech, she provided insightful details about GYAC’s Afterschool Program, noting that it “provides a safe and helpful place for your students to study and do homework.” She also discussed the “fun things and activities” that are offered at GYAC, including various clubs, off-campus excursions, and available job opportunities. To conclude her opening remarks, Ms. Allen stated, “Overall, I would like to say that GYAC is a wonderful way for your students to grow, learn, explore their options, excel in life, and to have fun.”
Following the pleasant remarks from Ms. Allen, Mr. Webb introduced GYAC’s various clubs and programs to begin the presentation of awards and certificates to students. To highlight one of the positive influences that GYAC has on its students, Mr. Webb stated, “We know that all students are capable of success, and we want them to leave here with confidence knowing that they can be all they can be.” The ceremony proceeded with the introduction of a total of nine clubs, including the Youth Employability Program, Science Club, Float Hope Swim Club, Cosmetology & Barbering Club, Book Club, Art Club, 4H Master Garden Club, Sonday Reading Program, and Math Tutoring Achievers.
Within each club, several students were recognized as participants. Additionally, select students were acknowledged as either the Student of the Year or Most Improved Student. The following students were recognized as Students of the Year: Antravious Brutus (Sonday Reading); Aalaya Allen (Math); Deidy Godines (Elementary); Saiya Roman (Dreamchasers: 6th-12th grade); and Leo Swanigan (Youth Employability Program: 9th-12th grade). Following these students, Mr. Webb celebrated select faculty and staff with kind words and certificates.
To conclude the event, Angelia Perry, GYAC’s executive director, provided closing remarks about GYAC’s programs followed by eighth-grade student, Landen Chaney, who delivered a closing prayer. GYAC’s annual Afterschool End-of-Year Awards Day proved to be a positive event that celebrated students and staff for their hard work this year. This program effectively contributes to GYAC’s mission to “create educational, cultural, and social opportunities that enhance the lives of the youth and families we serve.”
