Youth Recognition

TAYLER BOYKE-DARBOUZE

My name is Tayler Boyke-Darbouze, I’m 13 years old and in the 9th grade. I’ve been a part of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish Church since I was baptised by Father Mawusi our current Administrator, when I was a couple months old. I’m an active member of the church, as I have been an altar server for about five years now. I mainly wanted to become an altar server because I felt it was very honorable to be so connected to the Lord and his presence. Being a server isn’t solely based on assisting the priest during the mass and ensuring its smooth flow, but it’s also a chance to meet other parishioners, to develop relationships and to step out of my spiritual comfort zone. It’s honestly just a great opportunity, and especially from this angle you’re able to know what’s going on throughout the service and understand what it all means.

I attend Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, where I’m currently preparing for four AP course exams along with my final Regents Examination. I’d say my favorite subjects are Chinese, Pre-Calculus and Chemistry. In my school, you’re required to take a foreign language course, so since the 6th grade I’ve been studying Chinese culture and language. I hope that one day I’ll be able to travel to China to learn more about the culture and study the language more in-depth. Pre-Calc can oftentimes be stressfully challenging, however I do like a challenge when it comes to math. Lastly, I just find Chemistry to be a pretty interesting subject and I hope to do well on the final exam.

I don’t really have many hobbies, however I would like to one day get back into practicing karate. Unfortunately, I was hindered from participating 3 years ago due to a knee-related injury. Before I pulled out, I was able to earn my first degree black belt and accumulated 16 trophies along with a couple medals in the several competitive tournaments I took part in. I also play steel pan with the MECPS club and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society Ujima Chapter.

KAELAH BLADES

My name is Kaelah Blades and I am 17 years old in the 12th grade. I am finishing up my college process at the moment and receiving acceptance letters from some schools. I attend BCS, participating in the journalism/yearbook program and the art/music program. 

During my free time, I like writing poetry and short stories and I’m going to use this small talent of mine to major in digital media or broadcasting journalism in my future 4+ years of college. It is my final year of high school, so I want to make the most of it by being involved in many extracurricular activities as possible.

I have been attending St. Therese of Lisieux R.C Church and religious education for all 17 years of my life learning about Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our sins, the 14 stations of the cross, and the 10 commandments. Everything I learned in religious education led up to my communion and my confirmation where I can now be the social media representative for the Youth Ministry and a lector for the Liturgical Youth Mass which takes place every fourth Sunday of every month. 

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Kaelah Blades for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

AISSA FLORA KONE (Youth Ministry Team Member)

My name is Aissa Flora Kone. I joined Saint Therese of Lisieux Parish in 2015 and since 2018 have been serving as an usher at the 11:00 am Mass. Back home (Burkina Faso/ in West Africa), I was a  lector in my parish (Our Lady of Fatima/ Dassasgho) from 2009 to 2013. I have also been a catechist for Middle and High school students for 3 years.

I am thankful to God for this opportunity to be a part of the Youth Ministry Team of Saint Therese of Lisieux Parish. Being a member of this Ministry is another way for me to serve God through and with the youth.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Aissa Flora Kone for availing herself to be used by God and to lead the youth of this parish. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

DESTINY EMMA FRANCIS

My name is Destiny Emma Francis. I am 10 years old and I attend Good Shepherd Catholic School. My journey at St. Therese of Lisieux began a year and half ago when I moved from St. Lucia. I received First Communion at this parish, and I have been attending religious education classes every Sunday after the 9:00 am Mass since 4th grade where I get the opportunity to learn more about God. I have also been an active member of St. Therese of Lisieux Youth Ministry, participated in the liturgical youth Mass and the Christmas Youth Nativity play as a lector and narrator respectively.

In my school, I am a part of the music program where I play the clarinet. I love to go shopping and hang out with my friends. My favorite part of the Mass is when the priest turns the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ at Consecration.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Destiny Emma Francis for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

POLANGES E. BONANEY

My name is Polanges E. Bonaney. I am a young African American female that goes to Brooklyn East Collegiate Charter School. I am 13 years old turning 14 in July. I am graduating this year in June, class of 2020. I attend St. Therese of Lisieux Roman Catholic Church where I am an altar server and part of the youth ministry. Serving on the altar in church is essential because I get to help in the community.  I also acted in the Youth Nativity Play during Christmas last year as Joseph, the father of Jesus.

My hobbies are cooking, doing hair, writing, sleeping and dancing. Activities that I take part in are after school activities. I participate in a dance group called PDML. We travel around New York State performing dances. I wrote a poem for Black History Month which I recited during the Liturgical Youth Mass on Sunday, February 23, 2020. The poem is titled “They Fear Us” :

My favorite subjects are History and English. These are my favorite subjects because I get to grasp all the ideas and thoughts of others and the past. With English, I get to learn and build off of others’ opinions and great stories. When I grow up I would like to be one or more of these options: an actor, writer, detective and or psychologist. 

NAKYLA CARRINGTON

Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ. My name is Nakyla Carrington and I am 14 years old. I am a freshman at The Young Women’s Leadership School of Brooklyn High School (TYWLS). I live with my mum, my brother and my sister. I am a member of the Youth Choir at St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church. I sing soprano and I have been attending choir practice every Saturday since I joined the youth choir. Singing every Sunday at the 9 am mass has helped build my self-esteem and confidence in becoming a young woman within and outside of church. Singing has also helped me focus more in school especially with my favorite subject, English. Singing helps me because sometimes I sing the words I read. More importantly, Singing helps me pray, praise and worship God because most of the songs we sing during Mass are prayers and declarations of who God is. 

I  like to draw and sometimes in my free time I like to write poems. I also play the Steel Pan. I like to play the Steel Pan because I get to play alongside my sister. Playing the steel pan is important to me because it is a part of my heritage. 

My goal for myself right now is to graduate from high school and go to college and with the Lord guiding me, hopefully get to do creative writing or to study fashion. 

Thank you for reading and God bless.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Nakyla Carrington for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her continued dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard. We also acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Ms. Famicia Coriolan (Youth Choir Director) and Mr. Edsen-Samy Renaud (Music Director) and the professional musical training being given to members of the youth choir.

KERRYN B. BLADES

My name is Kerryn B. Blades. I am  15 years old and a sophomore at S.T.A.R. Early College High School at Erasmus. I was baptized, received communion, and was confirmed at St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church. I attended religious education at this very church since kindergarten and learned more about God and his role in our life. I am one of the youngest ushers in the church. I always usher on Sundays during the 9 am Mass. I wanted to find a way to interact with my church so I volunteered to be an usher.

Outside of church, I am on a volleyball team. In my spare time, I love to listen to music, dance, go shopping, and hang out with friends.

I have recently been elected as the Teen President of the Youth Ministry at my parish. I hope to use this opportunity to continue to use my talent to serve the church, to serve the youth community, to get closer to God and to spread His Word. I also hope to work with my team of teen leaders and the youth ministry team to help achieve a high level of youth participation as well as a sustainable youth ministry within the church.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Kerryn B. Blades for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

CARLYSE WEST

My name is Carlyse West, I’m 15 years old and I am a sophomore at Midwood High school. In the next two years of my education, I hope to achieve a high GPA and an advanced regents diploma. In the future, I’d love to become an educator, to help inspire kids to take initiative in their learning and in themselves. I have been very involved in my church from an early age. On Sundays, I help serve St Therese Of Lisieux Church by being an Altar Server. I serve with my cousins, Shiloh and Alanni. After church, I spend my time being an Assistant Sunday school teacher to First graders. 

I love expressing my creativity in drawing, painting and photography. During my summer vacations I’ve traveled to St. Maarten, the Dominican Republic and Aruba. There I’ve experienced different cultures and tasted different foods, visited some family, and I have taken tours to experience their way of life. My future travel destinations will be Bora Bora, Dubai, and the US Virgin Islands.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Carlyse West for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

SHILOH WEST

Hi, my name is Shiloh West.  I attend SCG-STL Catholic Academy. I am in the 8th grade.   I attend St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, where I am an Altar Server for four years. As an altar server, I play many roles. As a Crucifer or Cross bearer, I  carry the cross in the procession and in the recession. As a Candle bearer, I carry the processional candles in the procession, carry the processional candles at the procession before the Gospel and also carry the processional candles in the recession. Altar serving helps me to serve God in my own very small way. 

I am currently a member of the St. Francis of Assisi basketball team, where we practice every Saturday.   I also play the alto saxophone in the New York Honor Band. I have been playing this instrument for four years now.

I am very happy that Mrs. Elaine Tontoh organized the Youth Ministry at St. Therese.  In a very short time, Mrs. Tontoh was able to write, organize the youth, and direct the Nativity play on Christmas Eve.  I had the opportunity to make my acting debut in this skit, thanks to Mrs. Tontoh.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Mr. Shiloh West for availing himself to be used by God. We pray that through his dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

ALANNI WEST                              

Hi, my name is Alanni West. I attend SCG~STL Catholic Academy.  I am in the sixth grade. I attend St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, where I am an altar server for three years. I started serving when I was in the fourth grade. Serving on the altar helps me to know the individual parts of the mass and what they specifically mean. As an altar server, I perform many roles including helping to set up for Mass, carrying things to their proper locations, helping the priests and also helping to clean up after mass. The fun part of my ministry is that I get the opportunity to serve with my brother, Shiloh and cousin, Carlyse every Sunday and we,  as a family are very happy to serve God in any way we can.  Additionally, I help out at Sunday School after the 9:00 am mass.   

I play the drums and play soccer. I have been playing the drums for three years.  Also, I was accepted to the Junior Honor Band last year. This is my first year playing soccer. I love to travel and have visited many islands in the Caribbean, like St. Maarten, Anguilla, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic. 

 I want to thank Mrs. Elaine Tontoh very much for organizing the Youth Ministry and directing the Nativity skit on Christmas Eve.  Mrs. Tontoh gave me the confidence to learn my lines, lose my shyness, and face the audience. 

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Alanni West for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

JADENN CABINESS

Jadenn Cabiness is a 7th grader at St. Catherine of Genoa~St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Academy. He’s looking forward to and getting prepared for the high school process next year.

Jadenn has always been a part of the Sunday mass for the youth service. Jadenn loves and has the talent to serve God in many ways but he is particularly interested in reading the Word of God, though he is now becoming comfortable as a lector. Jadenn is always willing to assist in any way to serve the parish community. He and his brother Hunter are and will continue to be leading examples for the youth of our parish.

Jadenn likes to play video games and watch YouTube in his spare time. He also likes drawing and is interested in working on animations in the future.

Appreciation : The Youth Ministry appreciates Mr. Jadenn Cabiness for availing himself to be used by God. We pray that through his continued dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.

LONDON EDWARDS

Hi, my name is London Edwards. I go to St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church. I have been in the parish ever since I was little. God has made my life very happy over the years and being at the parish is very fun. I love being there for family and friends if needed and love going to school to keep my grades and education up.

In my parish, I am a member of the youth choir and a soprano singer. The youth choir sings at the 9:00 am Mass. Every Sunday morning I enjoy worshiping God with lovely songs. I always love coming to church TO SING MY HEART OUT. With my talent, I am proud to spread the word of God to others who really need Him to uplift their spirit.

My favorite things to do are play the piano/keyboard ( self- taught), sing, dance, create artwork and follow up on my studies.

My youth minister, Ms. Elaine Tontoh, has been working really hard to bring the youth ministry back together. I appreciate all the parish has done for me and others and I am looking forward to seeing the future of the youth ministry at St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church.

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. London Edwards for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her continued dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard. We also acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Ms. Famicia Coriolan (Youth Choir Director) and Mr. Edsen-Samy Renaud (Music Director) and the professional musical training being given to members of the youth choir.

SARAH MARCELLIN 

My name is Sarah Marcellin. I joined St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church in October of this year. I  love to serve God in many ways in the church and my parents encourage and support my love for God’s work. In October, I volunteered to be an usher during the liturgical youth mass. In November, I volunteered to read the word of God. Serving in the church in these roles means I am able to spread the word of God to other young people and also encourage others to keep pushing and always put their trust in the Lord. During mass, I also love to receive holy communion. The holy communion to me is a way to get closer to God so going to receive His body and blood is an honor. 

My hobby is drawing. In my spare time, I like to listen to music, read, sing, and dance. 

Appreciation: The Youth Ministry appreciates Ms. Sarah Marcellin for availing herself to be used by God. We pray that through her continued dedicated service more youth in the parish will be encouraged and drawn into the Lord’s vineyard.