A 13-year-old, 3.5 GPA High Honor Roll student, Cornel Collins was recently awarded the Youth Afterschool Champion Award by the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool and Youth Development Network.
“I believe this award will encourage my peers to stay in school, and pursue their own dreams,” Cornel said.
Cornel is from the Homewood neighborhood and a seventh grader at Westinghouse. He resides with his parents, Karen Collins and DeWayne Collins, along with his siblings: sister, Alicia Collins and brother, Michael White.
“Cornel has made his family very proud, and has been such an inspirational role model for his peers. He takes advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him, to help him grow and better himself. I’m so proud of him,“ Karen said.
In a neighborhood that often lacks resources, Cornel’s motivation has allowed him to take full advantage of opportunities that ensure he will succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
Cornel hopes that his actions send a message to the other youth his age that there are positive things happening in their community.
Higher Achievement Pittsburgh Executive Director Wendy Etheridge Smith, PhD, said, “I am extremely proud of his growth over the past two years. Cornel started Higher Achievement as a C student and now is High Honor Roll! This recognition has further encouraged him to stay the course and continue to work hard to achieve his dreams. He truly has learned that his destiny is his to achieve.”
Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network promotes sustainable, high quality out-of-school time youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the welfare of Pennsylvania’s children, youth and families.
The children and youth deserve access to high-quality out-of-school time in programs that promote youth development and support a successful transition to adulthood.
Evidence is mounting that afterschool programs are an effective tool in the effort to prevent our youth from becoming involved in street violence, and other activities that will steer our youth on the wrong path, and keep them from reaching their dreams.
A ceremony was recently held where Cornel was recognized in front of many important Pittsburgh leaders.
This year, Cornel serves as a Higher Achievement Ambassador in which he leads his fellow students in weekly meetings and participates in other public speaking platforms. In the future, Cornel would like to become a history teacher or historian. He also has plans to attend the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor to become a history major.
The support and encouragement of family, friends, and Higher Achievement staff, as well as his own internal drive pushes him to excel in life, he said.
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