Explorers Maya Daniels, Sierra Ward and Syann Hollins were recently recognized by the City of Kalamazoo as youth dedicated to social justice. The young ladies will be recognized during the City Commission meeting on January 19th by Mayor David Anderson. Each will receive a $300 scholarship toward college.

Maya earned the Dr. Lewis Walker Social Justice Youth Award,Sierra earned the Lodge-Dennis Social Justice Youth Award, and Syann the Consumers Energy Social Justice Youth Award. The girls have also earned the Silver Award in Girl Scouts, and Sierra and Syann will earn their Gold Award in Girl Scouts this sprint; the highest award a Scout can earn.

Their work in social justice focus on the mental health issues of youth. Sierra created hundreds of personalized bookmarks to high school graduates (Class of 2020), and Syann helped produce Little Miss Perfect, a music video which highlights a young woman and her suicidal attempt based on pressures of being a youth. In addition to their work in mental health, both are honor students and serve as leaders in school academic and athletic clubs.

Congratulations to these amazing young women!