‘Comeback Kids’ recognized

Community Board (CB) 8 gives Comeback Kid Awards every year to acknowledge local students who have overcome challenges and demonstrated improvement.

“It is our belief that by recognizing our student participants in committed community centers, we can in some small way reward those youth who are working hard to improve their future and inspire others to follow their example,” CB 8’s Youth Committee Chairman Lamont Parker said in an email statement.

There were six winners this year — Edgardo Marrero, Kamaris Kelly, Brandon Pichardo, Cheyenne Francis, Shakira Marrero and Victor Pacheco.

Edgardo Marrero, 14, was acknowledged for resisting peer pressure and refusing to sell drugs. Instead, he got more involved in his local community center.  

“He had to think of the consequence it would bring if he took that route. He knew his parents didn’t raise him to do that,” the CB 8 statement said.

Kamaris Kelly witnessed the death of a close family member and had a hard time dealing with his loss. 

“He had to take a stand for himself,” Mr. Parker said, adding that Kamaris became involved with a youth council at his local community center in order to help others.

Brandon Pichardo grew up in an area where he witnessed violence and drug issues. 

“Being able to overcome that and see the beauty in things is something beautiful. Brandon loves helping others within his community. He has great leadership skills and he will go far!” Mr. Parker said.

Cheyenne Francis received an award for the way she is handling the stereotype of living in public housing. 

The statement read: “A place doesn’t define who you are; it’s the person within you. Cheyenne loves to help others. She is a team player and is always giving great ideas to help her local community.”

Shakira Marrero was president of her community center council and recently had to overcome her shyness during an interview. 

“As young adults, it can be difficult answering questions about yourself but it helps you grow as a person,” Mr. Parker said.

Finally, Victor Pacheco, who was vice president of his community center council group, has gone beyond his fear of public speaking.

“Being on the debate team helped him with this. He was determined to read more and learn to answer questions.”