Lindy Leader News!

Efrain Laguna has served on the Lindy Cares Youth Board of Directors since 2017 and holds the title of Youth Ambassador. He's taken this job seriously and has been the guest speaker at over 8 Girl and Boy Scout Troop meetings in Lindenhurst with presentations ranging from "Good Citizenship", "Protecting our Environment" to "Critical Thinking Skills". As a representative of Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition, (Lindy Cares) incorporated in 2013, Efrain works to achieve the coalition mission by empowering students with knowledge and education by giving them access to the resources they need to cultivate meaningful change. These efforts help students take a strong role in working with school officials, local leaders and their peers in creating an environment they believe they can thrive in. Lindy Cares strives to provide youth with a forum giving them a voice and a chance to be heard. Students run their own campaigns and activities that are strategically designed to enhance their academic experience through community service and by serving as a support network for all students.

In 2017 Lindy Cares partnered with our local Loyal Order of Moose to engage in training through Moose International entitled "Moose Talks". This training challenges High School students to create presentations for younger students and bring them a sense of community spirit carrying a strong prevention message. Efrain traveled to Wisconsin in 2017 to represent Lindy and brought back insight and information from students from all over the United States that he continues to share with his peers and younger students.

In addition to sponsoring this training, our local Loyal Order of Moose volunteered to distribute snacks at the "Annual True Colors Run" in 2017, serving as strong role models for our youth by demonstrating a commitment to community service. Additionally, the Moose hosted parties for our Teen Nights to give kids a safe place to spend time and listen to music. This year our collaborative efforts mean that Efrain Laguna will be traveling to Philadelphia to represent New York at the Youth Awareness International Student Congress! Efrain is eligible to compete for over $10,000. in scholarships, as students from across the country gather to judge the presentations and make the awards. Thank you sincerely to Pete Harrington and Trina O'Leary-Peralta, Lindenhurst Girl & Boy Scout Troop Leaders and community volunteers from all participating organizations for helping to coordinate the tasks necessary to help Efrain get to Philly!

Good Luck Efrain! Lindy Pride***Giving Youth A Voice*** Youth Led Adult Guided