Several of the Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) high school students are among those being recognized with certificates for their outstanding work in the Volunteer USA’s Teen Trendsetters™ program, an award winning reading mentor program for youth. The District sponsors the program through its High School Future Educators Clubs.  There are 14 active programs in BCPS, more than any other District in the state.

Broward County Public Schools honorees include: Marie Beauge, Blanche Ely High School; Jacqueline Gutierrez, Cooper City High School; Christina Joseph and Chelsea Martin, Flanagan High School; Brooklyn Vincent, Fort Lauderdale High School; Elodie Mathieu, McFatter Technical High School; Selina Graham, Northeast High School; Angela Marino, Plantation High School; Nathania Levels, Pompano Beach High School; Ashante Smith, Stranahan High School; Emily Cooper and  Mariah Gooljar, J.P. Taravella High School; and Katya Tsangarakis and Annie Roa, West Broward High School.

The Teen Trendsetters™ program pairs high school students with second and third-graders for one-on-one weekly mentoring sessions.  The goal is to help at-risk mentees who are at least six-months behind their peers in reading skills and to nurture the volunteer spirit among youth leaders. The teens received training in reading mentoring and leadership skills at the beginning of the school year before helping the younger students with weekly mentoring sessions focused on reading proficiency and other educational activities.
 
Emily Cooper of J.P Taravella High is among those recognized for her excellent service and leadership in serving as a volunteer Teen Trendsetter™ this school year.

According to Teen Trendsetters™ Program Advisor, Lauren Wallis, “Emily has been participating in Teen Trendsetters™ for four years.  She has been one of the most involved mentors and develops such a positive and special relationship with her mentees.  Emily has been a major asset for this program.”

State Farm® is a key sponsor of the Teen Trendsetters program in Florida, making it possible to provide the training, books and other materials at no cost to schools and students.

“The Teen Trendsetters™ program makes reading fun for kids, encourages teens to be mentors, and helps increase reading scores year after year. State Farm® is proud to support such a successful education initiative in Florida”, said Lisa Roy, public affairs field manager whose team leads the education efforts for State Farm® in Florida. 
For more information please visit (www.volunteerusafoundation.org).