Youth Empowerment Booklet

THE BRIDGEPORT ORGANIZATION FOR YOUTH SPORTS, INC.

INAUGURAL Youth Empowerment

Dinner

Friday, August 11, 2017 | 7PM

Anthony’s Ocean View 450 Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT 06512

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We Salute the Bridgeport Organization of Youth Sports, Inc. on the great work you are doing!

Law Offices of

CAYO & ASSOCIATES, LLC ANDRE CAYO, J.D. 203-517-0416 Cayolaw@gmail.com

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Welcome to our 2017 Youth Empowerment Ceremony & Dinner. As you peruse the pages of this program journal, you will notice that the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Incorporated truly has amazing community support.

I would personally like to thank each and every individual, business and social organization that has invested in this great organization. It is because of your continued support that we are able to provide S.T.E.A.M. programs to our scholars and are able to expand our reach throughout Greater Bridgeport. My desire is to ensure that our city’s scholars are well prepared for career, life and college. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our organization so far this year! This has been a great year for us and we’ve grown as an organization, promoted our brand and made an undeniable impact in the lives of our scholar-athletes. We have launched our brand new interactive website, awarded competitive grants from the Bridgeport Rotary Club and The Workplace as well as continued our S.T.E.A.M. learning initiatives via afterschool programming and Saturday Academy. In addition we have continued on with our flag football team for boys and girls. This year we will honor several scholars from across Fairfield County who are excelling and doing amazing things in their own right. From fashion to entrepreneurship, sports journalism and NCAA Division I athletic programs these scholars are definitely worthy of such an honor. It is my hope that you will enjoy this evening and leave feeling empowered, motivated and inspired. I look forward to tonight’s program, the keynote address by the amazing “King Nahh” and the performance

by Miles Canton. Tonight will showcase our youth because they are indeed tomorrow’s promise. Thank you all for helping to make the 2017 Youth Empowerment Ceremony & Dinner a huge success.

Shawn D. Byrd

Shawn D. Byrd Founder and Executive Director Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

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WELCOME Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports (BOYS), Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, volunteer-based Organization determined to ignite the intellectual qualities of young scholar- by providing school-aged girls’ and boys’ vital exposure to preparatory education and non-traditional athletic resources. Our collective goal of utilizing and transforming facilities across the City of Bridgeport (CT) and surrounding districts “ensures every school-aged scholar has safe and supervised year-round multi-service educational, recreational and character-building activities, where he or she will be exposed to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines. Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports affectionately known as BOYS, Inc. runs on three progressive conduits: Academics, Athletics and Mentorship and provides enriching programs: After-School, Saturday Academy, Summer Camp, Mentoring and Leadership programs for boys’ and girls’ grades K-12.

VISION AND PURPOSE STATEMENTS: We are committed to improving the lives of our scholar-athletes by providing quality services, programs and activities that earns the trust and builds lifetime relationships within of our community; while empowering even our most disadvantaged scholars to reach their highest potential to attain academic and athletic excellence. The Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports (BOYS), Inc. is determined to ignite the intellectual qualities of young scholars and provide exposure to preparatory education. We will drive our mission through community partnerships and collaboration with the collective goal toutilize and transform multiple facilities across the City of Bridgeport and surrounding districts, which will “ensure every school age boys and girls with safe and supervised year-round multi-service educational, recreational and character-building activities where our scholars will be exposed to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) disciplines while working with educational instructors” in After-School, Saturday Academy, Summer Camp, Mentorship and Leadership development programs to prepare scholars to achieve professionally and personally resulting in developed ‘talent’ to change lives.

Be Safe. Be Smart. Be Scholars.

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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CEREMONY & DINNER Friday, August 11, 2017

PROGRAM WELCOME Christina Moore Board of Directors Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. Bridgeport, CT. INVOCATION Chloe Byrd Scholar-Athlete Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. DINNER MASTERS OF CEREMONY Marquelle L. Middleton President, Board of Directors Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. Chad Byrd Scholar-Athlete Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. INTRODUCTION OF PERFORMER PERFORMER Miles Caton INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER KEYNOTE SPEAKER Nyeeam “King Nahh” Hudson PRESENTATION OF AWARDS PERFORMANCE Miles Caton SPECIAL REMARKS Shawn D. Byrd Founder and Executive Director Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

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2017 Honorees ANGELINA CASIANO

2017 Female Elementary School Scholar

TRAVIS L. UPCHURCH, JR.

2017 Male Elementary School Scholar

KAYANA REID

2017 Female High School Scholar

CAMERON J. KELLY

2017 High School Male Scholar

CHELSEA N. BYRD 2017 Female Collegiate Scholar VICTOR DAWSON 2017 Male Collegiate Scholar ANGELINA GONZALEZ

THE ROTARY CLUB OF BRIDGEPORT, 2017 FEMALE SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR SHAWN YOUNG THE ROTARY CLUB OF BRIDGEPORT, 2017 MALE SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR ROBERT FICHTNER

2017 Academic Counselor of the Year

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Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports (BOYS), Inc. Shawn D. Byrd Executive Director Board of Directors/Officers: Marquelle L. Middleton President/Chairman Carl T. Horton, Jr. Vice President/Vice Chairman Todd Holloman Secretary Rashad M. Ford Treasurer Renee Leach Chief of Staff Board of Directors: John Brockenberry Grace Clark-Johnson Lataya Middleton Bianca Miller Christina Moore Vernon Thompson, Jr. Shamar Young

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NYEEAM HUDSON Nyeeam Hudson has captured global and national celebrity attention and audiences. “The International Motivational Speaker” is one of “12 kids who rocked the world in 2016” according to the Huffington Post and Forbes would like for you to “Meet the most motivational kid in America.” Nyeeam has been interviewed and has appeared on countless media platforms, including Good Morning America (ABC-NY). Nyeeam Hudson has written his first book ‘ We Are All Kings’ – A Motivational Guide for Parents. He shares his journey to encourage young boys to believe in themselves as kings of greatness. This impressive book has generated statewide momentum while receiving great support and contributions via GoFundMe We Are All Kings. His national book tour is important because as Nyeeam Hudson has ventured the world himself, he unselfishly understands the power of positive thinking and he simply wants to give back. The goal is to tour schools and communities across the country to deliver his animated words of encouragement, personally reading his works, make new friends across the globe, and most importantly – crown each of them –‘ We Are All Kings’ ! There is no discrimination in his message –and shares the same message to young girls in his upcoming second book ‘ We Are Queens Too!’ Nyeeam Hudson is also Youth Advocate Director for the FP YouthOutcry Foundation (NJ) where he is a youth advocate and spokesperson. “Expose your child to a broad spectrum of experiences. Let them explore and tap into their greatness – every moment counts!”

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MILES CATON Miles Caton is a 12-year old singing sensation from Brooklyn, NY. Miles began singing at the tender age of two which was no surprise given the musical family he was born into. Even at such a young age, he has had the privilege of singing alongside some of the world’s musical greats. He has been featured on Kurt Carr’s, “Bless this House”, BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, and in the Glade holiday commercial jingle. Additionally, he has had the honor of singing for the US Army and at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Most recently, Miles posted a video of himself singing the famous Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” which sparked a social media frenzy. That viral video went all the way to Jayz’s 4:44 album short film released in 2017.Miles is a faithful member and lead singer of the Joyful Praise Youth Choir and a youth worship leader at New Life Tabernacle where his grandfather, Bishop Eric R. Figueroa Sr. is pastor. One of Miles’ greatest characteristics is his diligence to pursue his passions. He never gives up and is committed to the call to reach young people with the gift God has given him. In addition to singing, Miles loves to make everyone laugh.

He is the premier personality in his family and he wears that title proudly.

Miles loves art and animals. He is very conscious of animal rights and often says he would love to be a singing veterinarian. Miles has an incredibly bright future and never fails to acknowledge the important role of faith and family in who he has become and who he will be.

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Congratulations to the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

“Through life challenges we all aspire to find ones BLISS. Please allow me to guide and coach you through your individual journey in achieving positive outcomes."

Bliss Counseling Services, LLC. Child & Adolescent Counseling Sandra L. Gibson, MS, MSW, LCSW Owner and Clincial Therapist 203-815-8589 | blisscounselingservices@gmail.com 91 Shelton Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 www.blisscounselingservices.com

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To My Husband and Our Daddy: We are so proud of your achievements with activating your dreams and goals. You have demonstrated what it means to work hard to be an establishmentarian. You worked through challenges and never let the challenges exhaust you from excelling and continuing to grow. While Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. (BOYS, Inc.) is in its infancy stage the performance and rate of growth has been outstanding with excellence as if it has been around for a great length of time. You are a hard task master but that is only because you are completing different facets of your vision.

As your wife and children, we have been exposed to your discipline, determination and passion for not just us but for the community for over 61 years (collectively as your spouse and children) and while it seems over-whelming at times we have seen the purpose, results and love all in the same breath. You are an amazing husband, father, coach, mentor and we know that as you continue to ignite and challenge the scholars in and around the community the vison, mission, purpose statements of BOYS, Inc. will flourish and grow beyond your expectations.

We pray that as you continue to be the King of Our Castle you will be the best CEO that the world has ever seen. We love you more than anything for the desire not to just give your children (the First Scholars) what you did not have but the disadvantaged. The smiles you admired during the holiday season when children received bikes and toys was priceless and that makes us happy. The consideration you extended when the resources were not there you still allowed families to participate and communicated to us that God will provide and this increased our faith in our own home.

As we honor you not just today at this “2017 Empowerment Dinner� we love you more, than you know. We are the biggest fans you will ever have fighting for your future endeavors and this is just the beginning of what God has for you as long as you put nothing and no one else before Him. Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Scholars. This is what B5 will market.

Love Forever Your Wife & Children Kenya, Chelsea, Chad & Chloe’

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Ian Williams, EVP Office:203-281-4000

Cell:203-530-1786

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Congratulations BOYS, Inc. And your Youth Scholars for their Leadership & Academic Excellence Sincerely, Your friends at Hall Neighborhood House

*Hall Early Learning Center*Hall Youth Services Afterschool Program* *Hall Senior Center*

Open Registration for Early Learning Center & After School Program 203-345-2000

www.hnhonline.org

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Nearly 120,000 men, women, and children currently await lifesaving organ transplants and hundreds of thousands more are in need of corneal and tissue transplants. On average, 22 people die each day because the organs they need are not donated in time. One donor can save or heal the lives of more than 75 people. Registering as a donor is a gift to your family, giving them certainty of your decision to help others in need. It is also a symbol of hope to those awaiting a lifesaving or healing transplant.

Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register today at RegisterMe.org Or contact Mark Brevard New England Donor Services Community Outreach Coordinator Mark_Brevard@neds.org (781)392-9646

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Best Wishes Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. from your friends at Bridgeport Caribe

The Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders mission is:

To provide youth with diverse sports, educational and community awareness programs that foster physical, intellectual and social development, while instilling pride and helping them build character and self-esteem, so that they can reach their full potential and value their role in society.

1067 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 (203) 913-0073 Visit us at www.bcyl.org

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Join us for Worship!

One Church - Two Locations Cathedral North Campus

1247 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517 Sundays 8AM & Wednesdays 7PM

Cathedral Main Campus

729 Union Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06607 Sundays 11AM & Wednesdays in Hamden, CT

Overseer Kenneth Moales, Jr. & Lady Ena Moales

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CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. SHAWN D. BYRD AND THE BRIDGEPORT ORGANIZATION FOR YOUTH SPORTS, INC. ON YOUR INAUGURAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CEREMONIAL DINNER

KINGDOM’S LITTLE ONES ACADEMY INFANTS - TODDLERS - PRESCHOOL SLOTS AVAILABLE AGES 6 WEEKS - 5 YEARS OLD FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY! Call 203.338.0221 / 203.366.5824 I Email: ptcreadyklosr@yahoo.com

ALL LOCATIONS - All NAEYC ACCREDITED 1243 STRATFORD AVENUE [3-5 YRS] I OPEN 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM 729 UNION AVENUE [INFANT & PRESCHOOl] I OPEN 7 AM - 5:30 PM 729 UNION AVENUE [3-5 YRS] I OPEN 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

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W

e support your vision in helping to develop transformational leaders who will be able to respond to global and ecological challenges in a rapidly changing world. Our youth in this community need a challenge and “I dare them to be different”.

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R. I. P.

No farewell words were spoken

B

No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why

ut now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store

ur hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know

We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you’ll always stay

O

Since you’ll never be forgotten

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PREVENTATIVE HEALTH SOLUTIONS 1187 Broad St., Lower Level, Bridgeport, CT 06604

Office: 203-870-8008 DrNoel@phschiro.com www.phschiro.com PAGE 28

We Salute the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

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The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Chi Omicron Chapter Congratulate Mr. Shawn Byrd and the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

Mr. Shawn Byrd

2017 Vanguard Award Recipient Saturday November 11th New Haven Lawn Club Mr. Glen Worthy, Basileus

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THE CONNECTICUT SOUND

salutes the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports!

Congratulations on your Youth Empowerment Ceremony & Dinner!

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We are a proud community partner of The Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports Inc. We support your Scholar-Athletes!

DLTC Landscape Contractors 214 Central Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06607 www.dltcusa.com

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Congratulations to the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. We support your Scholar-Athletes!

BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL – Bridgeport Chapter

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Congratulations to the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. Congratulations to the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

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The Connecticut Wolfpack salutes the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports! www.ctwolfpack.com

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Mr. June Archer and the 100 Men of Color Salute

MR. SHAWN BYRD 2017-100 Men of Color Honoree 100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards Friday, October 20, 2017 The Bushnell Theatre | Hartford, CT PAGE 37

Aunt Viv’s Homestyle Cooking 1055 Huntington Turnpike Bridgeport, CT 06610 www.auntvivscooking.com

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Congratulations to the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc.

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The Stamford Alumni of Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Salutes Brother Shawn Byrd and the Bridgeport Organization for Youth Sports, Inc. on 2 years of tremendous service to the Greater Bridgeport community.

2017 Stamford Alumni Chapter Scholarship Recipients: Tyler Farris, Jenny Milen, Tumani Edwards, El Adon, Bey Cameron Kelly, Jessica Clark, Santiago Jabara PAGE 44