Orion Area Youth Assistance honored 96 deserving youth from across the community at their 17th annual Youth Recognition Ceremony, held at Lake Orion High School, April 29.
The keynote speakers for the ceremony were District Court Judges Lisa Asadoorian, Nancy Towlin Carniak and Julie Nicholson. Orion Township and Lake Orion School officials were also on hand.
All of the speakers praised the record number of honorees, saying that they help make the community a much better place.
The ceremony was sponsored by Oxford Bank and Skalnek Ford of Lake Orion.
The mission of OAYA is to ‘strengthen families and you, and reduce the incidence of delinquency abuse and neglect through community involvement.?
OAYA is sponsored by the Oakland County Circuit Court/Family Division, Lake Orion Schools, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion.
The following three youth received special honors. (See our online edition for the entire list of honorees.)
Thomas Johnson
Johnson volunteered his time at Orion Area Youth Assistance outing and fundraisers since he was six-years-old. For nearly five years, he’s helped set up, clean up, and put the finishing touches on many events sponsored by OAYA
Rebecca Fix
Fix volunteered countless hours of her time to the Orion and world communities. She has gone on two summer-long mission trips to Guatemala as well as two two-week trips. She also helps out at Christ the King Jr. High Youth Group with fundraising, kitchen help, waitressing, and acting in dinner theater.
Amber Gorman
A very intelligent and helpful individual. She has volunteered several hours helping the Library Children’s Program as well as helping a community kitchen on Christmas Day.

Other honorees include:

Christ the Redeemer Church
Students have participated in the 30 Hour Famine, Spring Break Mission, and Summer Mission
Caroline Andridge
Timothy Andridge
Nick Balavich
Alan Doody
Glen Doody
Sean Doody
Kathryn Havtilla
Hannah Kish
Ashlee Krystek
Lauren Miller
Desiree Pruett
Sibonet Pruett

United Methodist Church of Lake Orion
Students volunteered with YESS Program Youth Leader, International Youth Trip, UMC Chrysalis, Project SHALOM and many other activities.
Jake Gleason
Jason Aeillo
Thomas D’Ambrosio
Julia Dorey
Rebecca Dow
Kate Hanson
Alyssa Katz
James Leigh
Jeff Slavick
Kenny Trafton
Kara Witherspoon
Natalie Ayre
Megan Becker
Camden Burk
Lance Dargavell
Elliot Jarvis
Taylor Jongerkrijg
Danny Keener
Brad Matola
Sarah Rose
Paige Stephens
Bridget Walton
Amy Wells
Karen Wells
Courtney Wilson

Project ALERT Teen Leader Program
High School Students are the optimal communicators with 7th grade students to help with healthy living choices as they continue to grow into high school students.
Jade Cummins
Bryce Cummins
Emilee Beckman
Katelyn Webb
Kylie Arnold
Melanie Hollander
Rachel Saylor
Katie Farrington
Michelle Calcaterra
Brianna Meadows
Natalie Fiorani
Andrea Sector
Mindy Stubbs
Abigale Lennox
Kylie Hess

Orion Township Public Library
These students participate in the Teen Advisory Board and help put books away as well as help in the children section of the library after school and during the summer.

Sara Boots
Matthew Clarke
Antonio Gurgel
Phoebe Holmes
Marisa Martini
Trenton Olds
Katie Raker
Austin Saxton
Makenzie Shea
Shayda Soraya
Andrea Ventola
Kyle Young
Jennifer Chevrier
Sarah Donetti
Mike Hale
Jessica Loxley-Smith
Nolan Long
Sarah Quattrochi
Becca Ryan
Kaelin Shea
Parisa Soraya
Anna Tierny
Evelyn Ventola

X-TEND Mentor
Building relationships with at-risk middle school students.

Jackie Aksten
Kasey Buchholz
Catherine Chan
Susie Corker
Tyler Failla
Kristina Geiger
Corey Hodge
Jordan Houston
Zarina Klem
Olivia Kullman
Chad Kyre
Nick Pervolarakis
Avery Shiel
Morgan VanAmeyde
Jon White
Kara Witherspoon