LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – On April 11 at 5:30 p.m., Los Alamitos and surrounding communities will come together for The Youth Center’s 13th annual A Night Among the Stars (ANATS) event: a philanthropic event dedicated to recognizing youth who have gone above and beyond to give back. This special event honors youth ages 5-18 who demonstrate hard work and dedication to making a difference in their communities.
“I feel excited and honored to have been nominated. It is a meaningful recognition of my efforts, and I am grateful for the opportunity given to me,” Mary Michael said. She was nominated for ANATS by the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach.
The black and red affair will take place at On the Green in Cypress with savory appetizers, desserts and drinks for attendees to enjoy.
The Youth Center started ANATS in 2013. They believe that youth volunteerism not only enriches our lives but also strengthens our community, cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. Since its inception, The Youth Center has awarded over $17,500 in scholarships.
This event also represents the culmination of Elaine Wissuchek’s Gold Award Project, “Working Together,” highlighting The Youth Center’s unwavering commitment to youth volunteerism and philanthropy.
This event is a collaborative effort between The Youth Center and the Rotary Clubs of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach. Rotary helps The Youth Center pay for the venue, making the event more enjoyable and allowing more students to be honored.
Each year, students from Los Alamitos and surrounding communities are nominated for their outstanding volunteer work. Whether it’s school accomplishments or community events, these students do it all. Their efforts not only improve the community but also inspire others to do the same.
This year, non-profits, schools and community groups nominated 22 students for their dedication to making a difference and helping others. Five nominees will receive a stellar volunteer scholarship of $500.
The Youth Center and The Youth Center Leadership Council nominated Mylan Mauge.
“I am honored to be able to give back to my community, and I hope to create a lasting change in the future,” Mauge said.
Nominees
- Adrian Lopez – Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach
- Addison Butler – American Red Cross Club at Los Alamitos High School
- Abigail Messerschmidt – Casa Youth Shelter
- Allison Han – The Youth Center, The Youth Center Leadership Council, Emerging Leaders
- Avery Yew – LAHS Teens for Climate
- Cate Christsen – Summer Harvest
- Era Berani – Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach
- Ethan Lakin – City of Los Alamitos, Los Alamitos Volunteer Program
- Gabriela Montgomery – Transitions in Motherhood
- Hannah Vosskuhler – National Charity League
- Jayen Shah – Cypress School District, Rotary Club of LACSB
- Josephine Velez – VBA Leo Club under Seal Beach Lions
- Kailyn Bober – Los Alamitos Ballet School
- Kassidy Lee – Girl Scouts Orange County
- Katie Arnoult – The Youth Center
- Kendyl Jeang – Rossmoor Homeowners Association
- Kristen Chan – LAHS Growing Up STEM
- Mairi Payne – Los Alamitos Education Foundation
- Mary Michael – Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress and Seal Beach
- Mylan Mauge – The Youth Center Leadership Council, The Youth Center
- Sydney Mastick – LAHS Growing Up STEM
- Yara Saadeh – Girl Scouts, The Youth Center
Selected nominees and their families will receive an invitation to the event. All nominated students will receive certificates of recognition from the U.S. Senate, the city of Los Alamitos, the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce and a chance to win a $500 scholarship and trophy.
Five $500 scholarships are provided by the Seal Beach Lion’s Club, Rotary, Rossmoor Woman’s Club (two scholarships) and Rossmoor Homeowners Association.
Local Sponsor
This year’s ANATS is sponsored by Golden State Water Company. Golden State Water Company has been proudly serving Los Alamitos and surrounding areas since 1929. They serve around 30,100 customers in the West Orange County area and strive to always put the community first.
Golden State Water Company’s sponsorship makes this event possible by contributing to event funding to ensure that these incredible youth receive the recognition they deserve.
Sponsorship benefits Golden State Water Company by strengthening their connection with the community. Supporting ANATS demonstrates their commitment to youth and builds positive recognition for their business.
The Youth Center’s local sponsorships for events creates a sense of unity, with businesses and community members joining together to give back and celebrate youth volunteerism.
Join The Youth Center for ANATS on April 11 to honor these incredible youth volunteers and their dedication to making a difference!
For more information about The Youth Center or ANATS, please visit theyouthcenter.org.
This article was originally written for the Los Alamitos Youth Center. Brooklynn De Shazer is a marketing intern for The Youth Center.
