Congratulations to Catherine Jones on graduating from Manchester Central High School!!!! Catherine has been a dedicated member of empowerYOUTH since middle school. Catherine has always brought her passion, hard work ethic, and humor to the work she has done with empowerYOUTH. She has made a great difference in the community! The future holds many possibilities for Catherine and we are excited to see where she goes! Here is an interview we did with Catherine regarding her experiences with empowerYOUTH and plans for the future. Thank you Catherine for all you have contributed!
What made you take part in empowerYOUTH?
My old SAP Mr. Hedge. He called me up to his office when I was in 8th grade and asked me if I would be interested in participating in two 8-hour meetings with CADCA at MST. I was all in for it. And That’s how it all began.
What has been your best experience or favorite memory as an empowerYOUTH member?
My favorite memory was traveling to Georgia to go to a conference with CADCA. I met so many people.
Would you recommend empowerYOUTH to your younger peers?
100%, it is a community that is a safe haven for youth.
What are your imparting words of wisdom?
Just because your friends do it, doesn’t mean you have to fall to peer pressure. If they are making you do something you don’t want to or you’re uncomfortable with, they are not your true friends.
How do you wish to be remembered by the work that you did- your legacy?
I’d like to be remembered as one of the original youth who was here from the beginning.
What are your plans past high school?
Studying Pre Medicine at Pennsylvania State University.
Who were the people that influenced you so far?
All the adult advisors, Mr. Hedge, Mary, and Pam.
Is there a memory you can share with us of another empowerYOUTH member that makes you happy to remember either because it was funny, inspirational etc..?
It isn’t a specific memory but my best friend Quincy is in empowerYOUTH and we both are very goofy so we can’t look at each other without bursting out in laughter. We’ve been in this from the start so we consider ourselves the OG’s.
Congratulations Catherine. You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals and now you’re on your way to seek new vistas, dream new dreams, embark on who you are, embrace life with passion and keep reaching for your star. Go for it!
