SOAR Teen Leadership Training: Soar Spelling Bee Coverage

Written by CAPA-JRC reporter Angie Shen

In a significant milestone for community development and youth empowerment, the graduation of the CAPA-MC THRIVE SOAR Young Leaders Training Program, led by Montgomery County board member Julie Yang, was held at Richard Montgomery High School, and over forty dedicated students participated in intensive training sessions, culminating in an exciting inter-school competition called the Soar Spelling Bee.

The Thrive Soar Young Leaders Training Program is the brainchild of board member Julie Yang. The program aims to foster youth leadership skills and personal development. Since January, more than 40 participants have engaged in weekly training sessions with Ms. Yang, learning about self-awareness, working with others, critical thinking skills, and leadership qualities. 

“We all know that in immigrant communities, youth take on many more responsibilities early, such as translation for families to help their family settle in the new land. The goal of the program is to develop a generation of youth leaders from the immigrant community that foster the joy of service and the spirit of lifting each other up!” said Ms. Yang. 

The Thrive Soar Young Leaders Training Program, culminating in the Soar Spelling Bee on April 13th, 2024, is a testament to the practical application of the leadership skills and personal development learned. This inter-school competition, which drew 150 elementary students from diverse backgrounds, was a celebration of words, cultural diversity, and community spirit.

The Soar Spelling Bee was a platform for the participants to showcase their leadership skills and a testament to the community's support. The presence of prominent community leaders, including Montgomery County Council member Sydney Katz, State Delegate Greg Wims, and State Senator Cheryl Kagan, underscored the importance of initiatives like the Thrive Young Leaders Training Program in promoting education and youth development. 

A heartfelt graduation ceremony honored each participant's dedication and commitment after the competition. Certificates of special congressional recognition were awarded to all graduates, accompanied by commendation letters from esteemed leaders such as Dr. Chueng, U.S. Senator Van Holland, and U.S. House Representative Jamie Raskin.

The success of the Thrive Soar Young Leaders Training Program is a result of the collaborative efforts of various partnerships, including the Chinese American Parents Association of Montgomery County (CAPA-MC), MCPS, AAHI (Asian American Health Initiative), PCC (Primary Care Coalition), and numerous volunteers. Their unwavering support and dedication were instrumental in the program's achievements.

As the first batch of graduates embarks on their future endeavors, the impact of the Thrive Young Leaders Training Program reverberates throughout the community, inspiring hope and fostering a sense of empowerment among young leaders.

This article was provided by Chinese American Parents Association Junior Reporter Club (CAPA JRC) with members who interviewed, audio recorded, wrote, translated, and video recorded. CAPA JRC has 25 Montgomery County middle to high school students. They have created a bilingual platform delivering news and serving the community.

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