Teach the children well.
Take a good look at them. These kids are our future leaders and they are at the crossroad of their lives. The South Boston Neighborhood House (Ollie) has been a large part of their formative years providing support, encouragement and guidance as they slowly leave their childhoods behind and enter into young adulthood. Through program components that cover everything from academics, job training, volunteering and social activities, a strong foundation is being built for these kids to have success in their lives. These young adults are standouts who possess the qualities of being leaders who will positively influence their peers, be role models to younger children and inspire all they come in contact with.
This summer, the Summer Leadership Intern Program (SLIP) has a once in a lifetime opportunity before them to sail aboard the Schooner Roseway and travel from Boston Harbor to the coast of Cape Cod. With a focus on maritime history, navigation, seamanship, environmental responsibility and team building, this expedition is a chance for students to sleep, work, and learn on board this 137 foot schooner. It will be an adventure of education and fun and an experience that will shape these young adults and leave a lasting impression. The Summer Leashership Interns are made up of twelve young adults from South Boston. They will set sail on July 9th. Here is a glimpse into their minds.
I you have a million dollars what would you do with it??
Matt Flaherty (14): I would give some away to charity and invest some of it in stocks
?Emma Bothwell (11): I would donate most of it to charities all over the world and have the rest to do something for my family
?Courtney O’Connell (14): I would put it towards mine and my siblings college, pay of my parents taxes/mortgage, and donate to charity
?Ryley Millett (14): I would give it to someone that is poor??
Who is your role model??
Courtney: My older cousin Amanda, she was always someone that i could look up?too?
Holly Silva (12): My role model is my uncle Martin?
Matt: My role model is my father because he works 75 hours a week and does not? complain??
If you could travel to any country in the world, where would you go and why?
?Dominique Litif-Nelson (13): I would travel to Canada because the other part of my ?family is there and I would love to go
?Brendan Roche (13): I would go to Russia to play hockey
?Emma: Scotland, that is where my family is from and where my last name originates ??
What is your favorite book?
?Genna Medina-Cook (12): I like a lot of books, My favorite book series is Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It’s hard to pick a favorite book because they’re?all so good.?
Holly: The Outsiders
Brendan: The Hunger Games??
What are the 5 things you couldn’t live without??
Ryley: Music, sports, parents, video games, my goals
?Emma: Family, friends, phone, music, and money
?Courtney: My family, school, friends, my house, the water?
Dominique: My phone, art materials, computer, my brain, friends??
What do you want to be when you grow up??
Brendan: A sniper in the Marine Corp?
Genna: When I grow up I would like to be an actress, singer, or choreographer
?Holly: I want to be a chef?
Ryley: Get into the MLB??
What inspires you??
Dominique: Art inspires me to draw more and be creative?
Matt: People who do great things despite being oppressed?
Genna: People who persevere
$3000 is needed for this summer excursion. A generous member of the South Boston Neighborhood House Board of Directors has agreed to match the funds of $1,500. If you would like to help these amazing young adults on their summer adventure, you can donate online at http://tinyurl.com/7gmj4ga or kindly send a check to:
SBNH
136 H Street
South Boston, MA 02127
The summer interns of the Ollie are shining examples of South Boston youths who inspire. They are role models to both young and old alike and we are confident that they have bright futures ahead of them. Good luck!
Photography by Deborah McCarthy
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
2 Comments
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The comments from these children have made my heart smile :) As a child (way back in the day), I would expect nothing less. The people of South Boston raise their children RIGHT! They raise their children to treat people with respect and give back to those less fortunate. Thank you, kiddos, you have made my day !
Saw? for the third time, for teaching purposes this time, and still found it a pretty cool movie! Super.