Mayra Ceja, a fourteen-year-old resident of Compton, received $1,000 scholarship from the Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff's Youth Foundation at their 28th Annual "Salute to Youth" Gala on September 24, 2013. The event, held annually at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, is a fundraiser and a celebration of the accomplishments of the Sheriff's Youth Foundation.
Mayra is a member of the Parks Bureau Youth Activities League (YAL) that is based at Mona Park, 2291 East 121 Street, Compton, since it began in April 2012. She was nominated for the award due in part for the leadership qualities she has displayed at the YAL. Mayra rarely misses YAL meetings even though she is involved in the Cadet program in addition to other academic programs at her school.
This past April, Mayra attended the Youth Leadership program in Anaheim, California. It was there she learned some new leadership skills and made a lot of new friends from all over the state. Mayra put those new skills to work by starting a student council at her school and holding weekly meetings at the YAL where they discuss field trips, community service projects, and helps organize YAL projects as well. She has been a role model and mentor for the other kids at the YAL.
Deputy Karen Velazquez, who leads the Mona Park YAL said, "Myra encompasses the type of YAL child that it takes to make this program successful. I know that her future is bright and she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do in life."
There are seventeen YAL locations throughout Los Angeles County where kids ages 7-17 can attend. Those interested in being a part of the program are encouraged to go to their website at sheriffsyouthfoundation.org.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments Parks Bureau is dedicated to providing a safe and drug free environment at all Los Angeles County Parks.
Providing Public Safety for Parks
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