June 2007 – Youth Asset Builder of the Month

Ashley Freeman and Emma Pluim

Ashley Freeman and Emma Pluim have been chosen as the June 2007 Youth Asset Builders because of their willingness to get involved and give to their school community. Both are conscientious students who are looked upon as being reliable leaders. Ashley and Emma will both be entering seventh grade in the fall. This past year Ashley and Emma were co-managers of the Wildcat Cash program at Central Middle School in Hartford. This program allows students to “spend” Wildcat Cash that is earned in recognition of positive actions and behavior. Ashley and Emma were responsible for collecting, filling, and delivering orders to students who requested to spend money on the Wildcat Cash incentive items. Both girls did a great job with all the responsibility given to them to run this program. Because of their reliability, both Ashley and Emma will be co-managers again next year.

In addition to the time and effort Ashley and Emma spend on the Wildcat Cash Program, they are also recognized for the special individuals they are. Not only are they engaged in school, but as individuals they possess positive personal values and set high expectations. They display a caring attitude toward others while respecting family, school, and neighborhood boundaries. Both Ashley and Emma are examples of youth who display what it takes to develop assets in themselves and others. It is our pleasure to choose both Ashley and Emma as the June 2007 Youth Asset Builders of the month.

Nominated by: Judy Whealon – Central Middle School Counselor and Nancy Sutherland – Central Middle School sixth grade teacher

June 2007 – Asset Builder of the Month

Linda Klink

The greatest message of asset building is that we can all do it. Asset building is relationship building. It is modeling mature, healthy, and caring behavior for young people. Linda Klink, a wife, mother of three sons, and a special education aide at Hartford Union High School is our asset builder of the month.

Linda was nominated for no other reason, than that in her own quiet, gentle, way, she cares for her children, the kids at Hartford High School, and many other young people in the Hartford area. As a volunteer for Peers 4 Peers events, The Hartford Baseball Club and Youth Football, Linda models several of the 40 Developmental Assets, which are so important in the healthy development of children.

With her involvement in these youth centered groups, she is helping to develop numerous assets in all of the kids and teens she interacts with including: Other adult relationships, caring neighborhood, parent involvement, service to others, valuing youth, youth as resources, adult role model, boundaries and consequences and the list goes on.

Linda believes that all children, with a little bit of support, can reach their fullest potential. She sees this in the kids she works with in the special education department at school, in her own children and in all children.

Nominated by: Julie Wolf – member Hartford Project Care, Inc.