Hello!

This past week, I was delighted to be involved in a couple of activities which allowed me to continue to spread the importance of reading to youth in the community, as well as one that promoted the value of mentoring. The first activity was "Cookies with Santa" a free community outreach program held on Saturday, December 4th, sponsored by the Molly Pruitt Branch Library. Approximately 75 neighborhood kids enjoyed Christmas story-time, read by myself and the SIB (Sistas In Business) "Read to Lead" program participants from Cameron Elementary school. The kids also learned how to create arts and crafts from "around the world" and had their pictures taken with Santa, himself. I especially enjoyed being involved in the activity because I am a true believer that inspiring kids to read and to become avid readers will encourage them to stay in school which I feel is a key component to becoming successful in life.

The second project I participated in was a Girl Scout Campout which was also held on December 4th, at the Sally Cheever's Leadership Center, the headquarters for Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas. During this event, girl scouts from all over San Antonio were brought together and took part in numerous outdoor activities such as archery and making S'mores. I volunteered to teach other scouts how to make bird feeders out of peanut butter and bird seeds. We made a pretty big mess but we also bonded and made new friends. I truly enjoyed being involved in both events. Remember...

"Grow, Discover, Fly: Self-Empowerment"

Selena Mitchell, Miss Black Texas USA Talented Teen 2011