06/19/2026
We are still coming down from the excitement of our 2026 End of Year celebration two weeks ago! This year, both of our graduates, Kim and Benecia, were honored with the Belanger-Cushman award! This generous award from Emily Belanger is presented to graduating seniors in honor of her mother, who worked as a school counselor. Each year, her mom would purchase a teddy bear for a graduate she felt had displayed the most growth, and award it to them with a $100 bill. At Educate Youth, this looks like teddy bears and $750. Previously, our 2024 graduates were initially awarded $500, and they were each awarded with an additional $250 to adjust for inflation. Thank you for allowing Educate Youth to help carry on your mom’s legacy, Emily!