Greetings!

The reports from our high school students went for judging in January.  The judging is conducted by honor students, from a high school that does not have students participating in the program.  This year we earned seven finalists.  Here is the list along with the sponsors.

1. Alexander Perez  – Sponsored by Buena Park Lodge
2. Brisela Rojas          – Sponsored by Downey Lodge
3. Hannah Walker    – Sponsored by Buena Park Chapter
4. Kamal Haddad      – Sponsored by Sunnyvale Lodge
5. Keira Douglas      – Sponsored by Monterey Lodge
6. Paulina Spencer  – Sponsored by West Sacramento
7. Victor Torres        – Sponsored by Monterey Lodge

Thank you to all the Lodges, Chapters, Moose Legions and Moose Riders who sponsored students this year.

The students are currently completing the required paperwork that is due to Moose International.  The students will be leaving for Rapid City, South Dakota on April 24th, and returning on April 28th.  The coordinators will be working closely with the students to get them ready for the International Congress.

The students are excited and a bit nervous.  Everyone goes with the hope of earning a scholarship.  One of the best parts is what the students really gain when they attend the International Congress.  Which is lifelong friendships, courage, self-confidence, responsibility, and so much more.  My favorite part of the program is when the students return home and share their experience.  We have a lot of returning students, which shows how much they enjoy it.

Our committee has worked hard to grow the program and will continue to try and get to all locations that request us.  My apologies to those that we couldn’t get to this past year.  We will start having YA student congresses in August.  If you would like to host a Youth Awareness Congress, please reach out to me and I will assign you with the coordinator in your area.

IMPORTANT:  When you make a donation to Youth Awareness, please make the check to:

California Nevada Moose Association, earmarked Youth Awareness.  Remember to put your donation on your Heart of the Community Report.

I just returned home from our Mid-Year Conference in Costa Mesa.  It was a great Mid-Year Conference, and a lot of good information was shared.  President Dina, hit it out of the park!!  She did an amazing job!!  I enjoyed seeing my friend and Grand Regent, Verna Miller.  Verna has a kind heart and is so dedicated to The Moose.  I enjoyed hearing her speak.

Many of the California Nevada Moose Association (CNMA) Chairs did an amazing job.  Congratulations to all of the ladies who received their Academy of Friendship degree!

Thank you to those who stopped by our booth and tried your luck at winning a $250 Visa card or our beautiful cutting board.  Our donations were a bit low, and we are hoping for a better response at our Annual Convention in Sparks.

We invited Youth Awareness student Denise Rojas to speak at our Mid-Year Conference.  Denise participated in the Youth Awareness program all four years that she was attending Western High School.  Denise was a finalist three times.  Denise was invited only two days prior to her speaking, and she did an amazing job!!  Denise wrote her own report and even came up with a PowerPoint presentation!  My only input was a few bullet points that I asked her to cover.  Denise believes in our program and still supports it.  Thank you to everyone who made her feel so welcome at our meeting.

If you have any questions regarding Youth Awareness, please feel free to call or text me.  Thank you for your continued support!  Remember, Youth Awareness starts with YOU!!

Serving from the Heart,
Bridget Robinson
Youth Awareness Chair and Coordinator
(714) 638-8114
Bridge2moose@aol.com