Youth

News for the 18-and-under crowd

YORBA LINDA

Program Encourages African Americans

A nine-month program aimed at encouraging African American high school seniors in the county to excel in education and life will begin this month.

The program, “Journey Into Possibilities,” will feature career workshops geared at helping students to choose a profession and prepare for it. Program participants will take part in community service activities and in academic, artistic and athletic competitions. The teens will also learn about their culture’s traditions and accomplishments.

After completing the program, all the students will receive college scholarships.

“We are educating African American youths about their culture and other cultures and we honor them for their continuous efforts to strive for excellence,” said Peggy Boatright, a program spokeswoman.

“No one is turned away,” she said. “We just want the students to be willing to participate and we’ll encourage them to overcome obstacles in their lives that might keep them from being good leaders.”

The program will get underway with a meeting from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave. The cost is $150. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the registration fee.

Information: (310) 493-2117.

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GARDEN GROVE

Speech on Friendship Takes $250 Prize

A Pacifica High School student won $250 for taking first place in a speech contest sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Colleen Gaughen, 17, won the contest recently for her speech on “Being a Friend--What Am I Willing to Give.”

During the contest, she gave a five-minute speech on the value of friendship before an audience of about 75 Rotarians. Her performance was judged the best of six contestants who had been selected from dozens of speakers at each of six high schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District.

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IRVINE

Irvine Youths Earn Eagle Scout Rank

Irvine residents Cort Green and Kevin Dooley recently earned Eagle Scout rankings.

Green, a member of Boy Scout Troop 746 and a junior at University High School, earned his ranking by organizing the painting of a home for abused children with 10 other scouts in cooperation with Orange County Social Services. He has earned 28 merit badges.

Dooley, a member of Boy Scout Troop 606 and a freshman at University High School, organized the replanting of a garden at the Irvine Historical Museum in cooperation with the Irvine Ranch Water District. He has earned 25 merit badges.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts.

--COMPILED BY MIMI KO, JON NALICK AND RUSS LOAR