No good deed goes unnoticed; Pope teen gives back to community

Published Sept. 28, 2006
By Kelly Twedell
Staff Writer

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd Airlift Wing commander, presents Taya Ferriere a plaque proclaiming her Pope's Youth of the Year, a $500 savings bond and other prizes on Kids Day, Sept. 16.

Ms. Ferriere attends E.E. Smith High School and has contributed so much to the community at such a young age. Some of her titles include: Torch Club advisor, SMART Girls advisor, Go-Girls-Go advisor and mentor, and Keystone Club secretary.

"She has that leadership quality about her and has a positive influence on her peers and other pre-teens here at the youth center," said Zuhal Ohaver, Youth Center teen coordinator.

The Keystone Club, a teen advisory board, plays a key role in giving back to the community. One of the events sponsored by the Keystone Club is Hoops for Hunger. The club organized a clothing drive and canned goods collection to donate to local homeless shelters. The club also operated a concession stand during the Youth Sports season where the proceeds were used to purchase goodie bags for some local senior centers.

"I love being involved and making a difference," said Ms. Ferriere. "I will continue to find ways to give back and engage others to get involved in life."

On any given day after school, Ms. Ferriere and her friends can be found at the Youth Center. Ms. Ferriere said the center has given her a sense of belonging. Moving can often be tough on teens because they have to leave their friends. She said the center was the first place she went to upon moving to Pope and has made great friends.

"Staff at the Youth Center have instilled in me that I have the potential to be something great, and I believe them," she said.

According to teens at the center, the most popular activities are dodge ball, basketball and karaoke. The Youth Center staff plays an important role in the lives of the teens.

"Hopefully we have a positive influence and give them guidance on how to be good role models in the community," said Ms. Ohaver.

Ms. Ferriere credits her family for playing a major role in helping her develop strong values system.

"Your moral character is the fiber of who you are as a person," said Ms. Ferriere. "Each person has a moral compass whether they choose to use their moral compass is up to each individual."

She believes that the lessons learned a young person influence not only their careers and life choices, but also determine the kind of leaders, parents, and citizens they become as adults. Ms. Ferriere said that family is what is most important to her ; that they help keep her sane throughout the rocky journey called life.

While Ms. Ferriere aspires to be a fashion designer, college has not always been something she has looked forward to. She used to think that college would be intimidating. However, her father reminded her that it would be hard to own her own business without a degree. This perspective put a different light on the importance of college and changed her perception.

"I am thankful for my dad because he opened my eyes to my potential and to what I can achieve,"said Ms. Ferriere. "College is now something I'm looking forward to after I graduate".

After college, Ms. Ferriere plans on pursuing her dream and attend a fashion design school. She has already begun creating some of her own clothes with her vision and style in mind.

"I hope that in the future I turn out to be a designer for famous singers and actors," said Ms. Ferriere. "I believe if you look good it builds your self-esteem and confidence."