KENNEDY ACTION CENTER: Students awarded for performance

On May 29 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency held its third annual Youth Believe and Achieve awards ceremony.

Wayne Metro's Youth Believe and Achieve Awards are given to those students whose spirit and determination have helped mold them into young leaders and achieve their goals.

The Kennedy Action Center awarded three students, Joslyn Pardue-Renaud, Jonathan Gonia, and Lexus Evans-Goolsby. Also in attendance were State Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood and a representative for Wayne County Commissioner Ray Basham, who presented our students with framed awards. 

Lexus Evans-Goolsby

Lexus Evans-Goolsby has been a member of the Kennedy Action Center since the beginning of this school year. When she first began attending Lexus struggled with the demands of her freshmen year.  Lexus was also quick to become upset and lose her temper. The student she started as, and the student she has grown into this year, are different people.

She has become a student we can count on to reach out to fellow classmates. Lexus is no longer quick to anger and has learned to better control her emotions. She is outgoing, helpful, kind and such a positive part of the after-school program. Lexus has started on a path that will only lead her to success. The Kennedy Action Center staff is proud of the achievements that Lexus has made this year, and we are excited to see what else she can accomplish!

Joslyn Pardue-Renaud

Joslyn Pardue-Renaud has been a member of the Kennedy Action Center since the fall of 2012. When she first began attending, Joslyn was a student who spent a majority of her time working independently on her homework or visiting with friends. Although she entered the program quietly, Joslyn has become a student that we can count on to be a leader in the after school program.

Joslyn’s personal mission seems to center around helping others. She volunteers daily in the program to help with dinner set up and clean up and has racked up over 95 hours of community service in the after school program this year.  She is responsible, organized, and all the things you would hope for in working with students. She reaches out to students and to staff to lend a helping hand. It is for all these reasons and more that the KAC staff wishes Joslyn Pardue-Renaud the best. 

Jonathan Gonia

Jonathan Gonia has been a member of the Kennedy Action Center since the beginning of this school year. When he first began attending Jonathan was quiet, and probably not too sure if he liked the after school program.  Jonathan spent a majority of his time separated from students and did not interact much.

As the year progressed, he has become more outgoing and adventurous when it comes to activities. Jonathan has a passion for theater arts, and everyone who has seen him perform during our Karaoke activities can see how unbelievably talented he is. We know without a doubt that Jonathan is going to be a star someday. The Kennedy Action Center staff is proud of the achievements that Chris has made this year, and we are excited to see what else he can accomplish.