Iwould never have imagined or expected that I would be honored with my own special day on the jumbotron at the Westchester Country Center in White Plains, NY, but that is exactly what happened on October 6, 2024.
One person can make a difference
As a result of my efforts in community involvement and social action, I was first noticed by The Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC). The WBWPC selected me as the recipient of their first annual Youth Legacy Award 2024. They were interested to learn more about my work with Feeding Westchester, The United Way of Westchester, The NAACP Youth Division and participation in the Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins Youth Advisory Counsel. They were excited to see a high school student such as myself so actively involved and working to make an impact in through service.
I received several awards on September 18, 2024 from:
- Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC): 2024 Legacy Youth Award receipient.
- Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (35th Senate District), President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader: Proclamation for Exemplary Service in writing articles for the magazine of the Greenbugh Sheen Journalism Program. Also, for being featured on the Alexander Hamilton High School website for sponsoring a holiday food drive resulting in 288 pounds of food, providing 240 meals for local Westchester families.
- Senator Shelly B. Mayor (37th Senate District) Chair of Committee on Education: Proclamation for Exemplary Service in the community and the State and for receiving the Legacy Youth Award from the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus White Plains Chapter 2024.
- Assemblymember Mary Jane Shimsky (Assemblymember 92nd District) and Assemblymember Chris Burdick (93rd District): Citation for dedication to academic excellence with a 4.0 GPA, 2024 National Honor Society induction as well as participation with Calvary Baptist Church, NAACP Youth Division, Delta Gems and Senator Andrea Stewart Cousin’ Youth Advisory Council.
- Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (Westchester Country Board of Legislatures): Proclamation that October 6, 2024, is Ashley Robinson Day in Westchester County.
- Chairman Vedat Gashi (Westchester Country Board of Legislatures): Proclamation that October 6, 2024, is Ashley Robinson Day in Westchester County.
What we do matters
I am humbled that members of government have taken notice of my contributions and participation with various Westchester organizations. I am very appreciative and honored to be recognized in such a special way. I am also grateful for the support and confidence that others have placed in me. It shows that what we do matters and how our actions really impact the lives of others. It serves as great motivation for me to keep going and strive to continue trying to make a difference.
Your dedication will be rewarded
I remember in the past, seeing the names of other on the same jumbotron and wondering what they did go earn such a spotlight. Never believing that it could happen for me just for consistently doing the things I am passionate about while helping others in our local community. I can’t help but to consider all the people in attendance at the award ceremony and those that will see my name and others on the jumbotron and wonder how many of them will also be inspired to do more.
Thank You
Thank you to the members of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assembly member Mary Jane Shimsky, Assembly member Chris Burdick, Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson and Chairman Vedat Gashi for making this day possible along with so many others that continue to support and encourage me.