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Created: June 08 2015

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy recently honored 15 Broward County Public Schools student mentors with Teen TrendsettersTM Excellence Awards for their leadership and service. Throughout the school year, student mentors in the Foundation’s program assisted first through third grade students with weekly reading tutoring sessions.

“On average, participating first grade students started the school year seven months behind their peers in reading, but more than half ended the year on grade level,” shared Liza McFadden, president and CEO of the Foundation.  “We couldn’t be prouder of these teen leaders, who are positive role models to our next generation of learners.”

Congratulations to the following Teen TrendsettersTM Excellence Awards honorees:

Nicole Bonczek, Stoneman Douglas High School

Sarah Callahan, Cooper City High School

Rose Katherine Calnan, Westglades Middle School

Ruth Colmenares, Atlantic Technical High School

Felicita Devlin, Cooper City High School

Bridget Guzman, West Broward High School

Kabir Ibrahim, West Broward High School

Gabriel Mason, Blanche Ely High School

Lindsay Massa, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Jenna Kopec, McFatter Technical High School

Maya Prempin, Pompano Beach High School

Lyndaziah Roberts, Deerfield Beach High School

Emmily Sarmiento, Flanagan High School

Allegra Warley-Moore, Northeast High School

Sarah Williams-Ravello, Stranahan High School

Atlantic Technical High School student Ruth Colmenares, one of the awardees, serves as an excellent example leadership. Her commitment and leadership for the Teen Trendsetters program is evidenced by perfect attendance despite her academic workload and many miles of travel to and from school.

“Ruth never loses her patience. She communicates deep respect for everyone she meets, and her friendly smile and positive nature make her a favorite with the youngsters and her peers. With dedication and integrity unequaled, Ruth is definitely her team's leader,” said her program advisor, Donna Cardwell.

The Barbara Bush Foundation is the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy. Since the inception of the program in Florida in 2002, more than 40,000 teens and elementary schools have benefited.