Nominate a youth for the Y.E.S. 'Lagniappe' Award

Raymond's drive and dedication at such a young age is impressive. He always is looking for ways to grow. Raymond loves basketball and he is an advocate for healthy eating and he does daily workouts.

(September 2022)

Christian has the mind of an entrepreneur and is already focusing on a healthy lifestyle. He is dedicated on starting his business promoting health to adolescents and teens by making/selling smoothies that he formulates himself. He is so determined and motivated to making a difference and influencing his peers to choose healthier eating habits.

(August 2022)

Eliana is an Autism Champ! She has grown leaps and bounds in her academics and her ABA Therapy. In addition to working hard in her studies and therapy, she is also the owner of Ellie Bellie's Paradise, where she sells sunglasses for kids, quite enthusiastically. 

When Eliana is not working her business or in school, she loves participating in Karate and spending quality time with her family and being a great Big Sister! 

(August 2022)

Will has always had an eye to create and has used a variety of mediums to do so.  

His favorite and most surprising area of expertise is in his Lego builds. His attention to detail in the intricacies of the scenes he creates is astonishing.  

Each character has a back story.

Each building has a purpose.

Each vehicle is a unique creation.

His plan is to begin a YouTube channel to share his build and encourage other creators.

(July 2022)

Clara has always had a heart for others. Her desire to help is unmatched, but she is not limited to desire - she puts feet to her desire.  

A common phrase that comes out of her mouth, "We need to DO something!"

When she saw the trailer for the Free Burma Rangers documentary, she was moved to tears. For her "do something" she and her sister decided to do a bake sale to raise money.  She went live on social media, and the orders poured in.  

Her goal was to raise $200. God blessed her efforts, and she raised over $700!

She has a heart of compassion that makes a difference for others. 💖

(July 2022)

Three years ago, Annabelle decided that she wanted to make and sell jewelry.  She began reading books, watching YouTube, buying supplies and before you know it she was making jewelry.  

Annabelle uses her creativity and eye for detail to produce unique pieces that enhance her clients' existing beauty.

(July 2022)

Chaysen is very smart and talented he is a great artist, he loves to make characters and he loves to play with other kids! He has an big heart he loves his family and he knows he is loved! He checks on people and loves for everyone to get along and have a good time!

(June 2022)

Jade is 7 and she is the CEO of Jade's Beautiful Bows. Jade takes her business very seriously. With over 5k followers on IG is a KidCEO and Influencer. Jade is super smart and is very loving! She cares about others, and she loves God and is not afraid to say it! 

Jade was also in the top 3 of the 2021 Youthpreneur Pitch Challenge with Y.E.S.

(June 2022)

Cayden is a loving boy who has autism, which is definitely his superpower! He cares for others and he is always the peacemaker making sure everyone is ok and gets alone with each other! He loves to make friends and meet other kids! 

(June 2022)

Malik has continued to excel in school. He pulled his Social Studies grade from a C to an A. His current report card he had A's and B's. 

He is very caring and loves to help his classmates when they are struggling with an assignment. His favorite subject is Math.

He loves to play sports. He plays baseball, football, basketball and does Karate.

(May 2022)

Conyae' is a wonderful child. His integrity and leadership ability makes him stand out and excel in everything that he does. 

He is a young entrepreneur and with a pure heart to want to help people all over the world through many other ideas to come. 

(May 2022)

Nevaeh is a self starter with her own dream! She goes after what she wants in life. She is dedicated to the things she loves doing, which is making others feel good about themselves!

Nevaeh is also preparing herself to start her own business.

(May 2022)

Rayson "KAM" isn't just a handsome face, he is smart and talented. Kam is an Honor Roll student, making all A's, in the BETA Club and because of his love for singing, he is a member of the Slidell High Choir.

Kam graduated from Barbizon Acting and Modeling school and landed a major role in the stage play, BLUE.

Above all of that he loves helping others and he loves his family.

(April 2022)

Floyd is a young boxing champion in the making. He is dedicated to the sport of boxing and currently has a winning record with 0 losses. Floyd is an Honor roll student and also enjoys playing soccer. He enjoys spending time with his family and is an all-around respectful and talented young man.

(April 2022)

Durund II is a scholar, athlete, and entrepreneur, committed to making and leaving his mark in the world. As a Junior at Ben Franklin High with 3.8 GPA, Durund II has always been persistent and consistent in efforts of academic achievement and helping others.  

His desire for helping others started in the 3rd grade when he was selected to be a "Kindergarten Buddy”, assisting incoming Kindergartners with reading and math. This passion expanded to him becoming a frequent reader for the Next Generation Book Club. An avid writer, Durund’s writings has also been featured in the Riverbend Magazine.

Durund II is currently a member of the BFHS Basketball Team, co-owner of DurMad LLC, and held positions on the City of New Orleans Youth Advisory Council, the Greater St Stephen Ministries Tutoring Program, and the DB Morton Summer Camp. 

(April 2022)

When you think of an average 12 year old nowadays, cellphones and video games come to mind.  Kierstin demonstrates a different path. She loves reading books daily and  creating beautiful works of art such as: fashion, animation and life like figures.   Prior to Covid, she was a level 3 gymnast.  She has a colorful personality which brightens a room!   Despite the challenges of an altered learning environment due to the pandemic (Virtual then In Person), Kierstin continues to display drive, focus and determination to achieve success.   

(March 2022) 

Giada is such a beautiful person on the inside and out. She’s God fearing, strong, a hard worker, loving, smart, giving, and always trying to help others. She’s been nominated for student of the year, has been student of the month since pre-k and works so hard to maintain honor roll every year. She’s on the Elite guard team at school and takes tumbling classes. She loves baking sweets and spending time with her family and friends. 

 (March 2022)

Trenton is a sweet and independent little boy with a love for God, his family, and all things fun. Trenton is currently on the Principal's list at the academy he attends. He is a gold belt in his martial arts school and he plays on the little league team at our nearby park. He currently has a great interest in science and wants to be a scientist when he grows up. He is very active and loves skateboarding, skating, and bike riding. He wants all children to believe they can do anything! 

(March 2022)

Edward "Scottie" was diagnosed as Autistic at a young age, but that hasn't stopped him from being a great kid. He has overcome some major milestones and his a 'B' average student. He has found ways that helps him learn and has mastered some of his subjects in school, even graduated out of speech class.

Scottie is motivated, balanced and is involved in extracurricular activities. Scottie is a God-fearing kid with a kind heart toward others and wants to make a difference in the lives of others.

(FEBRUARY 2022)

Aixa Sarai is a seven year old little girl who inspired the book, The Fearless Princess. Aixa loves to encourage others to be Fearless as she has conquered the fear of public speaking and now speaks with boldness at church and at speaking engagements with her mom. Aixa is very creative; she loves to read, write stories, build with Legos, draw, craft, play the piano, and play basketball.  In addition to all of these things, she also is very driven. In first grade, she received the 2nd place Accelerated Reader award; however, this year, she received the 1st place Accelerated Reader award for 2nd grade.  Aixa is bold, strong, and FEARLESS!

(February 2022)

Christian is not just a handsome face; he is creative and a hard worker.  He is always looking for ways to lend a help hand.  Christian started his annual Christmas orders in order to understand the process of starting his own entrepreneurship.

(January 2022)

Trinity excels academically and athletically.
She maintains an A average in all her courses while she continues to train
for track, swim, and tennis.  

Trinity is also a talented artist. She loves creating hand drawn portraits, textured art, and digit art.  With an eye for detail, she has even began her own fashion line at the age of 13!

(Dec 2021)

Taelyn is a super sweet young lady with a large heart and plenty of talent.  She's a natural athlete. She plays tennis, runs track, and competitive swimming. 

She swam competitively for the first time this summer for the Riverlands Seahorses. She came in first place in all of her individual races during the summer. Her specialty strokes were breaststroke, freestyle, butterfly, and relay.  

In addition to her first place wins throughout the season, she came in 2nd place overall in the grand champion swim tournament. Taelyn is also an A/B student.

(Dec. 2021)

Trebor is a well- rounded student and athlete. He competes in track, swim, and tennis. He is a sprinter as well as a long distance runner.  He ran the 1600 race in 6 minutes and 56 seconds! He outran kids that were 2-3 years older than him.   

He also excels in math. He is a strategist. He loves marine biology.  He is an A/B student.

(Dec 2021)

Nakoa is an awesome big brother and a great boxer in the making. He has a heart to serve and is always helping others. Nakoa has ALL honors classes in his last year of Junior High.

(September 2021)

Cay is a 10 year old entrepreneur who has her own online boutique, Cay's Creations. She makes slime for kids and adults alike. She can do custom colors and scents. She has great energy and makes her own videos talking to her fans and clients as well as setting up vendor booths at local art markets. Her Instagram is @cays.creations.co and her Etsy shop is CaysCreationsCo

Click on the picture to visit her Etsy page.

(AUGUST 2021)

Larry otherwise know as The Macaron Master, has been a business owner for almost a year. Serving out cakes and macarons to happy customers left and right. He has learned the struggles and hardships it takes to become an amazing businessman. 

Larry has made many achievements, starting with being featured on nola.com and Newsbreak.com. Larry was also the first annual winner of The Y.E.S. Pitch Challenge. 

Now that Larry has almost been a business owner for a year he knows just what to expect to try and make all of his customers happy.

(AUGUST 2021)

Paris has been working very hard on her business "Amira's Bath Essentials "
and being a young entrepreneur she was chosen to represent the Northshore in the Youth Entrepreneur Academy National competition. 

Paris is also the founder of the social activist group J.U.S.T.Y.S (Justice United-Stronger Together-Youth Solidarity)
(JULY 2021)

Laila is an all around dynamic kid! She excels in school with a 3.7 average GPA & is a Beta Club Member. She shares her gift of song with her family, school, & community as a member of the Small Group Ensemble & Chorus. She also participates in stage plays at Slidell High School. Laila is also a member of the Broadcast team. She started a YouTube channel to show her personality and to practice editing. More than anything Laila is compassionate & her smile brightens the room. She has a warm heart and is the voice of reason with her peers. 

(June 2021)

Sienna is a fun loving social butterfly! She loves to compliment and make others smile whether at home, school, church, or any social event. Sienna has been apart of dance, cheer, and jump rope teams. At school, Sienna aims to please and is always an Honor Roll Student. She does not like to miss a day of school! We look forward to seeing what the future holds!

(June 2021)

Kennedy is a senior at Columbia High School who exhibits talent, integrity, perseverance, and dedication. She has soared in and out of the classroom. Kennedy has faced adversity with the loss of a parent at a young age. However, she's persevered and excelled. She has been involved in six years of volleyball, save club, Wildcat Ambassadors, five years of choir, and four years of theatre (with multiple lead roles).
She has remained dedicated to developing her knowledge and skills while progressing through her senior year.
 

In the fall, Kennedy will be attending The University of Southern Mississippi, to pursue a bachelor's degree in Media and Entertainment Arts (Video Arts)

Kennedy is also an entrepreneur, started her own photography business. Click on her picture to visit her website. 

(MAY 2021)

Sydnie is a 4th grade honor student from Memphis, TN. She is an exceptional student, and a member of her school's optional and gifted programs. Sydnie loves dancing, and has been taking professional dance classes since the age of two. Sydnie enjoys ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz and lyrical. During the pandemic, Sydnie discovered a passion for cooking. She began taking online cooking classes locally, as well as as from chefs across the country. During the holidays, she was asked to host a virtual cooking class for the children at her church. Most recently, Sydnie had a drive-by birthday parade for her 10th birthday, with the theme: Sydnie is "BEARly A Tween". Instead of gifts for herself, she asked guests to bring Teddy Bears. Over 50 bears were collected, which Sydnie donated the Bear Wall at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. This organization serves children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education, and intervention.

(MAY 2021)

Destiny is an 11 years old that thinks BIG and dreams BIG.  Dee, as she is affectionately called, is an exceptional student that loves school, people and has a big personality with a big heart.  She is a member of the "Dazzle Dance" Dance Team and she also has a passion for doing hair and dreams of being a professional hairstylist one day!

Destiny has taught herself how to braid hair.

(May 2021)

Morgan is sweet, generous and kind. She never thinks twice to help someone in need and she always does it with a smile. She has always gone over and beyond what was expected of her at home, within the community, and at school. Morgan has received the honor of becoming St. Tammany Parish Elementary Student of the Year (2020-2021). In the future, Morgan plans to become a family lawyer.

(APRIL 2021)

Kind, Sharp, Loyal and Athletic are just a few ways to describe Dalton who has shown excellence in the classroom, on the diamond as well as on the grassy turf. He is a proud Christian and stringent protector of his family. He's the silencer of the ProctorFab5 in that he moves swiftly and with precision in all tasks. Whether it's waking to prepare breakfast for the women of the house or sweating it out with Dad on the lawn, he provides his best at all times.

(APRIL 2021)

Journey excels at everything she does and is very conscientious of others feelings and success. She is a 2nd grader reading on a 5th grade level and has been submitted by her teacher and principal to be tested for gifted. Her teacher has sent home recordings of Journey teaching the class on how to solve math problems.
 

Not only does she excel academically, she's a lover of the performing arts. She has been in Slidell Little Theatre's Mini YATS program since the age of 4 where she learn acting, singing and set design in the course of a week with 2 performances thereafter. She has recently enrolled in NOBA (New Orleans Ballet Association).
(APRIL  2021)

KaMyzja is an excellent  student who excels in her academics and has maintained her goals of being on the Honor Roll.  She has been involved in BETA since elementary and she has been their host over the years for the induction ceremonies.  "KAM" as she is affectionately known,  launched her lip gloss line in 2020 on her 14th birthday,  Kissed by KAM. She aspires to be an engineer with NASA.

(MARCH 2021)

TaLayia is an exceptional student and an amazing athlete.  Along with sports, she has developed an interest in mechanics, assisting our neighbor with his 18-wheeler and cars.  She is an Honor Roll student who doesn't let her speech impairment stop her from achieving her goals. 

"Tinka", as she is affectionately known,  launched  'Tinka Bedtime Stories ' to help other students who has a fear of reading aloud. She aspires to be a teacher. 

(MARCH 2021)

TyAnna's love for education keeps her in some of the top spots in her class.  A spark of life since the day she was born,  "Suga", as she is affectionately known,  is helping to launch an apparel line for The Gap Movement where she is one of the Brand Ambassadors. 

(MARCH 2021)