Congratulations to the 2020 Youth -Individual/Group Winner! “You’re never too young to make a difference.” That is something I always tell others. I am Autumn Moreno, a 4.0 student at Valley Oaks High School. I have been blessed to be surrounded by positive role models and mentors that encourage me to go out into the community and make a difference. I love working with many different organizations, such as Children’s Miracle Network, Children First Campaign, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Links for Life and The Mission at Kern County. When I found out I had been nominated for a Beautiful Bakersfield Award, I was speechless. It was an honor just to be nominated. Once I realized I was the 2020 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Youth recipient, I was beyond grateful. It gives me such joy to know that I made an impact in our community and it keeps me very humble. With this award, I hope I can be a reminder to other youth – that no matter your age – you too can leave a mark on our community. The smallest notion does not go unnoticed. This past year has been challenging but it did not stop me from serving our community. With my new title as Teen Miss Kern County 2021, I continue to share my passion for underprivileged children. I have continued to stay involved with Children’s Miracle Network and Children First Campaign by advocating, helping with fundraisers and volunteering at food drives. I have volunteered with the first graders at Beardsley Elementary School through Zoom. I have done art lessons, read to them and donated books. I hope to get more involved with children in foster care and in the homeless shelters. I was able to get my nonprofit, Kern County Cares and Keep Kern County Warm, up and running again. I was able to make more than 50 scarves that have yet to be donated to The Mission at Kern County. My biggest accomplishment is maintaining a 4.0 in school my freshman year, during a pandemic and taking on academically challenging courses. I have been nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student of the Year. My goal is to raise $50,000 for research, aiding families affected by cancer and to find a cure. As Louis J. DeGennaro PhD would say, “When you give your time and talent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, incredible things happen. Cancer patients and their families METRO | PAGE 8
are supported, breakthroughs are accelerated and lives are saved.” I fully believe that and that is why I have made this my best community service project. My father, who we lost to cancer, is also my driving force. It is a sevenweek-long campaign. With the love from my family and our community, I know anything is possible. If you would like to know more about my campaign, visit www. soyautumn.org. You can also follow my community service projects on Facebook at Teen Miss Kern County 2021. To the 2021 nominees, congratulations on your accomplishment. You are all winners and have taken the steps needed for a better community. You should be proud of yourselves. To our Kern County community, we are strong when united. When we come together, we will overcome anything. Let’s support one another and keep moving forward. Stay strong, stay healthy. It has been an honor to be your 2020 Beautiful Bakersfield Youth Award recipient. – Autumn Moreno
