Welcome to People Reaching Out!

People Reaching Out Student Brittanie McGee
Receives 2009 Dan Lewandowski Leadership Award

Each year People Reaching Out gives the Dan Lewandowski Leadership Award to a student participant who exemplifies leadership and commitment to youth substance abuse and violence prevention. This year's recipient is Brittanie McGee, Students Reaching Out (SRO) student and senior at Valley High School.

Brittanie became involved because of her interest in bettering her community, the Valley Hi area. She heavily participated in a needs assessment on youth violence in Valley Hi that was completed in summer of 2008 by reaching out to neighbors, parents, apartment complex residents, and other community members asking for their opinions about the issue of youth violence in the Valley Hi community. She presented the results of that survey to key stakeholders such as City Council Member Robbie Waters, County Supervisor Jimmie Yee, school officials and community residents.

Her educational pursuits have led her to be ranked 6th in her class and she will be pursuing a college degree in the aeronautical field. She has been accepted at Embry Riddle and Florida Tech, some of the best universities specializing in the aeronautical field.

Brittanie's humble and honest character has shined within the program. She has served as a role model to other students by challenging her peers to think critically about issues facing young people and bettering the community. Congratulations, Brittanie!