In this issue, you'll read:
WYN Receives Awards
WYN: Growing a Pizza Garden
Earth Fare "Friend of the Month"
Avery Mentoring
Kidstock V
Mentor of the Month
WYN Fundraising is a Click Away
Dare to Discover the Magic of WYN

WYN Receives Awards

Western Youth Network is honored to have been named a recipient of the Education Partnership Award, given by the Watauga County Board of Education, and we are also pleased to announce that Angela Grimes, After School and Summer Program Director at WYN has received the Mason Whittington Distinguished Service Award from the NC Association of Community Education.

The Education Partnership Award, given by the Board of Education recognizes Western Youth Network as an organization that has provided exceptional support for individual schools or the school system as a whole. WYN was described as "an essential part of our work with kids," according to School Social Worker, Denise Presnell. As part of the nomination process, Presnell expressed the value of WYN programming and added that, "beyond what they provide is the manner in which they provide it, and the 'above and beyond' approach they have to working with kids." Presnell continued, "They are always open to new, innovative and creative ideas to problem solving, and are willing to be a support however they can - from allowing their facilities to be used, to staffing with us, to helping find money for clothes or helping with transportation." WYN is honored to be recognized by the Board of Education, and expects to receive this award at the Board of Education meeting on July 9, 2007.

The Mason-Whittington Award, which is named for two prominent leaders in community education in North Carolina, will be presented to Angela Grimes at the July 9, 2007 WYN Board meeting. Marshall Ashcraft, of Watauga County Schools said the following about Angela in his nominating letter: "She consistently provides fresh ideas, encouragement, advocacy, and technical assistance that result in more and higher quality after school programs for students. She is both compassionate and realistic, and her commitment to children and youth is unquestioned. Her experience, expertise, energy, and positive attitude are tremendous assets to the community she serves."

WYN is very proud of both of these honors, and remains committed to providing the highest quality of service to our youth.

WYN: Growing a Pizza Garden

This year, as last year, WYN will have a plot in the Leola Street Community Garden. Youth in WYN's summer program are growing the vegetables with which they can make a pizza upon harvest. They will be planting, watering and weeding their tomatoes and peppers throughout the summer so that they can have a pizza party at the end of the summer with their home-grown veggies. Many thanks to Matt Cooper for providing us with opportunities to learn more about growing our own food.

Earth Fare "Friend of the Month"

For the entire month of June, you can contribute money to WYN by shopping at Earth Fare. Simply use a recycled bag, or decline the use of a bag each time you shop, and Earth Fare will donate 10 cents to WYN, who is the designated "friend of the month" for June. WYN staff will be available on Saturdays from 1:00-3:00pm at Earth Fare to distribute information about WYN and answer questions. Please stop by Earth Fare in June and support High Country youth and families.

Avery Mentoring

On May 26th, Janet Shook, WYN's Avery County Mentoring Director hosted a mentor recruiting event, and had 40 people sign up to receive more information on mentoring! Janet stationed herself at a prominent location in Avery County and gave away tomato plants to all who came by to learn more. She chose plants to signify that WYN mentors "plant seeds" in young people's lives. Several attendees even called their friends on the spot and told them to come out and learn more about the program. One young lady said that this was the third time she had heard Janet's plea to become a mentor, and she finally decided to take the step that day. This was a very successful event for program publicity as well as mentor recruiting. For more information on becoming a mentor, call Janet Shook at 828-773-2567.

Kidstock V

Kidstock V, held on May 19th at Watauga High School was a ton of fun for all who attended! Kids and families enjoyed airwalk games provided by JUMP! of Boone, crafts, games, food, and a battle of the bands. Congratulations to Union Jackrabbit for winning the Battle of the Bands competition. Their grand prize was to get more "gigs" around town, so look for them to make more appearances at places like the Jones House and Legends in the months to come. To check out photos of the fun, click on the following link: http://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/photos/?PHPSESSID=f076141f54eaf56a925a48675e2a28f0.

Mentor of the Month

This month, WYN's Mentoring program honors Andrew Young for his outstanding commitment to the program. Andrew, always consistent, outgoing and creative, has truly become a member of his mentee's support system and family. Their "match" has been a success from the very start, and as a result, the mentee has a better quality of life, is better able to communicate his thoughts, and makes more positive decisions. Andrew always has a great way of explaining the consequences of the choices we make in life, and has, therefore, become a good sounding board for the mentee. The pair stay very active by getting out regularly to ride bikes, hike, and go on big outdoor adventures. When the mentee was recently asked about his favorite activity thus far with Andrew, he said that it was the time that Andrew took him to meet his family. The mentee got to meet Andrew's mother and father, and also go to see the place that Andrew grew up. This connection obviously meant a lot to this young man. Each day, Andrew goes above and beyond to be an exceptional mentor, WYN volunteer, and community member. We are grateful for his contributions.

WYN Fundraising is a Click Away

Don't have the extra money to donate to WYN's programs right now? Don't worry. You can still make a contribution by simply changing your Internet search engine to GoodSerach! GoodSearch works like "Google" or any other search engine that enables Internet surfers to find what they are seeking.

To get started, go to www.goodsearch.com and type in Western Youth Network as the school/charity that you are supporting. We make money each time you use their services. Please pass this along to your friends and constituents and help support WYN!

Dare to Discover the Magic of WYN

To learn more about volunteering in our mentoring, after school, or prevention program, or to make a referral, please visit our website www.westernyouthnetwork.org or contact Jennifer Grubb at (828) 264-5174.