TWO YOUTHS WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR THE FUTURE

HONORED BY THE CHILDREN'S SERVICES COUNCIL

OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY!

What a special evening March 4 th was for Amanda Derienzo and Keenoen Stafenie, who were just two of the youths in a room of many honored with the 2007 Outstanding Youth Award presented by the Children's Services Council of St. Lucie County. This award recognizes youth who have made a difference in St. Lucie County through Volunteerism, Leadership or Achievement. The honorees received a beautiful plaque and $1,000 in scholarship funds.

Treasure Coast Hospice was pleased to learn the two youths connected to our organization were chosen to be honored! Amanda Derienzo was nominated by Alison Palombi, Harbors Counselor of TCH under the category of Achievement. "Forced to embrace the world parentless" and tasked with working through the grief of her loss, Amanda stood steadfast and strong, working her way to a place she could move her life forward. Maintaining a 3.75 grade point average at Port St. Lucie High School and is dual enrolled at Indian River Community College to earn her Associates Degree and high school diploma together Amanda is definitely moving forward and setting a great example for other youth. By the way, she also works at Starbucks! Her dream for the future is to become a social worker or psychologist.

Alison explained, "Amanda works hard to support her siblings as they all go through this uniquely by offering to them unconditional love and friendship. She also reaches out to peers and classmates who have lost a parent(s)." The staff and volunteers at TCH wish Amanda the best and hope she comes back to us one day as a member of our team!

When the presentation began for Keenoen Stefanie, a Treasure Coast Hospice (TCH) VolunTeen, Ms. Cynthia Angelos said, "Give a child a chance and they can go to the stars." Keenoen is well on his way! The staff and volunteers at TCH treasure every day we have to make a difference in our patients and families lives and Keenoen is right on board with our philosophy. Jan Novack, Volunteer Coordinator nominated Keenoen and tells us, "When he comes to our Port St. Lucie office to volunteer he is always courteous, smiling, and willing to do whatever needs to be done to help our staff and other volunteers." A High School curriculum is stringent, but Keenoen manages to keep up his work at school and volunteer for Treasure Coast Hospice. He has also spoken on our behalf at community outreach functions to persuade other youth to volunteer and has talked about what volunteering for TCH has meant to him personally. Keenoen's dream for the future is to become a Forensic Scientist! We treasure our time with Keenoen and wish him well on his future endeavors.

Sincere thanks to Jan Novack and Alison Palombi for nominating Amanda and Keenoen, as well as to the Children's Services Council of St. Lucie County for providing this wonderful opportunity to honor our youth who are making a difference in our community.