Spotlight on Success!

Tuesday, 28 July 2009 11:54

Three Students Share Time and Talents with Others

For three young people involved in the Cops and Clergy Coalition, hope is not only a gift that has been given to them, it is a gift that they are giving to others.

Despite the challenges each of them have faced, these standout students have excelled far beyond the confines of a classroom. They have, in their very young lives, already made an impact on their communities.

Darnell Christopher Banks recently graduated with honors from Warren Easton High School and will be attending UNO in the fall. He began volunteering at the youth center almost immediately after becoming a member of the congregation. “Darnell would attend youth meetings every Tuesday night, each time staying longer and longer to help pick up and take out garbage,” said Jill Glover, head of the youth program at New Covenant Community Family Church. “Darnell now helps with school children at the youth center, tutoring, organizing games and even baking cookies.”

Michelle Rene Girau is a senior at the University of New Orleans. An accounting major, Michelle has a 3.0 grade point average and is on the Dean’s list. Despite her busy school schedule, she remains dedicated to mentoring young people at Cornerstone Christian Center. According to Pastor James Autry, “Michelle is a blessing to our youth. She assists wherever she is needed, is active in missions around the world, and loves the Lord.”

Jasmin Gosey is only 12 years old, but she is quickly making her mark on the community. Jasmin participates in the Volunteers of America’s Mentoring Children of Promise program, is a singer in the youth choir, and serves as a junior usher at Dominion & Power Ministries. She has already made the A-Honor roll for the last two years at L.W. Ruppel Academy. “I see a real leader in Jasmin,” Bishop Jerry Henry said. “She wants to learn as much as she can about the world and takes it all in like a sponge.”