As part of Read Across America, a group of students from Cypress Bay High School hosted a special Dr. Seuss-themed celebration for preschool students at Hi Five Academy Child Care Center in Davie. The teens are all members of the Family Central Teen Advisory Board.
Family Central Teen Advisory Board Co-President Evan Joseph, a Cypress Bay senior, says he got involved with the organization, which provides high-quality early childhood programs and family support services to low-income and at-risk families, because of his father, who sits on the Family Central Board of Directors.
“After my dad told me what an amazing organization Family Central was, I decided to go to a center to see for myself,” explains Evan. “I quickly fell in love with the organization, and with some other teens helped found the Teen Advisory Board for Family Central.”
The group holds numerous fundraisers, food drives, and events throughout the year, the most recent being the Dr. Seuss Reading Party.
“We decided to do a literacy program because we felt that it was important to expose these children to not only a great author in Dr. Seuss, but to also encourage them to explore the world of books and literature as it can inspire them to grow and achieve,” shared Ethan Chaiet, Family Central Teen Advisory Board Vice President and Cypress Bay junior.
The event consisted of three activities: a reading station, where the teens read classic Dr. Seuss stories to the preschoolers; a cooking station, where the children made tasty treats such as a Dr. Seuss hat with marshmallows, graham crackers and red jello; and a games station.
“Working with the children was simply incredible,” shared Evan. “Knowing that we came in and helped brighten up those kids’ day is a feeling that is out of this world.”
Ethan also enjoyed the experience. “I loved working with the children and seeing their unique perspectives on the books and games we played. Each child was very talkative, and I enjoyed interacting and getting to know each of them.”
In addition to hosting the party, the Teen Advisory Board donated roughly 60 books to the agency, which were distributed to various Family Central centers across South Florida.
Family Central, Inc., President Barbara Weinstein, Ed.D., says she is impressed by the dedication and hard work by these teens. “We are so proud of the next generation of leaders who make up our Family Central Teen Advisory Board. They are incredible students with a passion for helping children reach their full potential.”