New Orleans City Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell presented  “Citizenship Awards” to Carpentry student Jerome Russell and Health Occupation Technology student Courtney Williams saying both are “putting their best foot forward- not doing it for accolades or attention- but just wanting to do the best job.” Councilmember Cantrell spoke recently at the Center’s monthly Awards Ceremony.

She said of the diminutive Jerome Russell- “big things come in small packages” and cited his work with Habitat for Humanity. As she presented a gold medal to Courtney Williams, Councilwoman Cantrell said, “You’re a quiet storm. You get things done.” Courtney was involved in the Center’s Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four volunteer efforts.

Giving back to the community was a recurring theme throughout the Councilwoman’s speech. She stressed that serving your neighbor is an obligation that does not end when you leave the Center. “As you move on, there will be other people coming in your place, sitting in those seats, and you have a responsibility to keep their dreams alive by investing in them because they matter too,” said Councilmember Cantrell. “Believe in yourself, continue to build systems of support because that is what going to keep you grounded.”

She concluded by offering herself as a mentor to students.

“If you need a mentor, I’m offering myself to you. So, don’t take that lightly and I will be that support that you need and do my best to help you. Sometimes, it’s just a conversation but I have a list of young people that I call “my list of encouragement’ and I make time to talk with them regularly. We all need encouragement and I’m offering that to you.”

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