Community leaders dedicated to Tracy’s young people took the stage at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts on Wednesday during the annual Sow A Seed Community Foundation Youth Awards.
The event marks the 20th year of the organization, and Sow A Seed Founder Rhodesia Ransom, who now serves in the California State Assembly, gave a brief history of the organization as a way to described the local nonprofit’s impact on the community..
In January 2005 Ransom met with James Franco, then-Superintendent of Tracy Unified School District, to talk about what could be done to address the high rate of suspensions and expulsions in local schools.
“Everywhere we worked with young people we found there was a serious need for not only mentorship but for mental health services,” Ransom said. “Sow A Seed is pretty much in the farming tradition: You might plant a seed today and may not see the fruits of that seed until the next harvest, so such is life as we invest in our young people.
“We believe that every young person deserves to be seen, supported and surrounded by a community that believes in their potential, which is what you all are doing here tonight. Two decades later that mission continues stronger than ever. Over the years we’ve touched thousands of young people.”
Two special awards were the highlight of the evening. Barbara Sasso, President of the Sow A Seed Community Foundation Board of Directors, presented the Board of Directors Special Recognition Award to Dr. Clara Voss, a retired educator, who has worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent, and has gone on to serve her community in many ways post-retirement.
“She continues to provide career coaching, team building, leadership development and board training. She remains a force for change,” Sasso said. “She is a sought-after public speaker inspiring audiences across the country with her wisdom, experience and passion. She has spent a lifetime uplifting and motivating others.”
Voss said that that service to youth is a worthwhile mission.
“We do what we do because we chose to be the difference in the lives of children.”
Recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award was Walter Gouveia, whose career as an educator includes serving as a counselor, coach, and school board trustee, including 29 years working for Tracy Unified School District. Taking the stage to describe his influence on students was Robin Cole, telling the story of how her brother struggled in school, and then developed self-confidence under Gouveia’s guidance.
“I know there are many students and many families who are saying, God bless Walter Gouveia,” Cole said.
Recognized as Adult Mentor of the Year was Aaron McAllister, who was active in starting the Bulldog Project anti-bullying campaign at Tracy High more than a decade ago. He has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club since then, working with the club’s youth sports programs. Other nominees included Arlandis McLain, Jennifer Barkett DeAngelo, Junior Cueva, Tenaya Spikes and Tyler Mullen.
The Adult Volunteer of the Year was Teresa Garcia, who was not at Wednesday’s event. Fellow nominees included Greg Rangel, Liz Money, Melanie Boynton and Sybil Spikes.
The youth awards included Youth Volunteer of the Year, which went to Kimball High junior Sarem Girmai, who is involved with Scouting, Tracy Public Library and was also a nominee for Youth Scholar of the Year, and Youth Mentor of the Year. Other Youth Volunteer of the Year nominees included Caleb Davis, Jake Hallen, Keila Molina, Mariane Gonzelez, Rhea Manjuneth, Sanya Neth and Tanya Singh.
The Youth Mentor of the Year is Noah Watkins. He is a student at West High, involved in student leadership as ASB President and with Future Farmers of America. The other nominees included Mariam Hamidi and Sarem Girmai.
The Youth Scholar of the Year was Sanya Nath, who was not at Wednesday’s event. Other nominees included Abigail Avila, Kylie Woodall, Sarem Girmai, Sinai James Alexander and Telaya McDaniels.
• Contact Bob Brownne at brownne@tracypress.com, or call (209) 830-4227.
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