Roberts Receives Prestigious Award
Moss Point High School Senior Daniel Roberts does not take serving his community lightly. His dedication recently earned him the Youth Embracing Service (YES) Award.
“Thank you for this award. It is such an honor,” said Roberts.
The award was presented on behalf of Quota International, a worldwide volunteer service organization. Its mission is to assist disadvantaged women and children as well as the speech and hearing impaired. The organization also encourages service to others, and salutes young men and women who do just that.
Moss Point High School Counselor Tomica Bradley nominated Roberts for the award.
“I was trying to think of a student who would meet at the qualifications, and stood out in my mind,” she said. “He has a very extensive résumé because he is involved both inside and outside the classroom.”
Vicki Miller, a member of the organization, recently visited Daniel’s classroom to surprise him with the YES Award for the month of January. She announced his accomplishments to his peers.
“From carwashes to citywide cleanups, community service is not new to him,” Miller announced to the class. “He serves in leadership positions in several organizations, has been selected to represent students at numerous civic and academic summits. He has volunteered to mentor younger children, encouraged citizens to vote, helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity, cut grass, picked up trash, and even assembled playground equipment for a local daycare. Amazingly, I have no doubt that Daniel is just warming up.”
Miller says the organization was extremely impressed with Daniel’s hundreds of hours of community service, but was most impressed with his work to unite the City of Moss Point and take a stand against violence.
“I am most proud of the Walk Against Violence initiative,” Roberts said. “I hope that in everything I do, I encourage young people to make better choices.”
As a YES recipient, Daniel will be eligible for a $1,000 Savings Bond, awarded to the Outstanding Youth of the Year, announced at Quota’s annual Service Banquet in June of 2010.