BIOS

 

Kevin A. Williams

Kevin A. Williams, 18, a senior at Secaucus High School Science Academy, is an honor student, an athlete and a humanitarian who desires for a quality education and passionate to “make a difference” in the world.

Kevin is the founder of People to People International’s Go International for Tomorrow chapter and Wrap 4 A Smile Foundation, Inc. His efforts and achievements in establishing two youth organizations have been featured in the Our Meadowlands Magazine, Jersey Journal, Secaucus Journal, Secaucus Reporter, Secaucus Home News and People to People International Worldwide Magazine.

Kevin has received recognitions, awards and grants for his numerous achievements and leadership roles in Academic, Athletic and Humanitarian programs.

 

Public Service Awards:

  • 2008 GOLD Congressional Award

  • 2008 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Award

  • 2007 Silver & Bronze Congressional Awards

  • 2007 Nestle Very Best in Youth Finalist for Academic Achievement & Service to the Community.

  • 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 Presidential Volunteer Service GOLD Award.

  • 2006 People to People International Golden Award.

  • 2006 RUSS BERRIE Make A Difference.

  • 2005, 2004 People to People’s James T. Doty for Innovative Programming Award.

  • 2004 People to People International CEO Award.

  • 2004 Store level Kohl's Kids Who Care Award recipient.

 

Student Ambassador & Leadership programs:

  • Founder & Past President ( 2004 - 2007) People to People International’s GIFT student chapter.

  • Founder & Past President ( 2005 - 2006) Wrap4ASmile Foundation,Inc.

  • 2007 International Student Leadership Conference of Operations Smile.

  • 2007 American Legion New Jersey Boys State Conference.

  • 2007,2006,2005,2004 People to People International Global Youth Forum.

  • 2006 People to People Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Project in Russia.

  • 2006 National Youth Leadership Council Conference in Healthcare & Medicine.

  • 2006 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference.

  • 2005 Lead America CongressionalStudent Leaders Conference in Healthcare & Medicine.

  • 2004 Lead America National Junior Leaders Conference in International Affairs and Diplomacy

  • 2003 Sports Ambassador of People to People International

 

Grants:

  • 2007, 2006 Kirby Foundation

  • 2007 Nestle Best In Youth Foundation

  • 2003 The Steven Strobert Foundation

 

Academic Recognitions & Awards:

  • The National Society of High School Scholars

  • Who’s Who Among American High School

  • National Honor Roll for Academic Achievement

  • United States Achievement Academy for US National Leadership and Services Award

  • United States Achievement Academy for Science Merit and Honor Student Award

  • National Honor Society

  • American Technology Honor Society

  • Mu Alpha Theta

  • Foreign Language Honor Society

Athletic Recognitions & Awards:

  • Cross Country
    2007 Served as a Co-Captain
    2007, 2005, 2004 Honorable Mention All-League BCSL National Division
    2007 Member of the Undefeated BCSL National Division Championship Team and 3rd place North 2 Group-2 sectional team
    2006 Member of Undefeated BCSL National Division Championship Team and The runner up team in the North 2 Group-2 sectionals
    2005 Member of the North 2 Group 1 State Sectional Championship Team

  • Basketball
    2007-2008 Served as a Captain
    2007-2008 First Team All League BCSL National Division
    2007 Roselle Park Holiday All Tournament Team

  • Outdoor Track & Field
    2006 Member of 5th place in 400 at North Hudson, Member of 5th place 4 x 400 relay at BCSL Championships

 

Other Achievements:

  • Brown University Pre-College Program: Germs in the news

  • A published author of book titled: Locked Up… In Perfect Harmony

  • Graduate Student of Robert Wood Johnson Mini Medical School for High School program

  • Graduate Student of Montclair State University Gifted & Talented program.

  • Graduate Student of Barbizon of Paramus Modeling School & Agency.

Kevin has been involved in community service since he was seven years old. He is a caring person who believes in world peace, understanding through communication and respect for others. He continues to pursue opportunities to better others who are less fortunate, through his efforts in organizing and collecting food for Secaucus Emergency Food Pantry and for the Tsunami Relief Fund. He has run book, food, hygiene items, stationary, and clothing drives, educated the public about land mines in third world countries, and is always taking on new projects to assist those in need. His projects, which have brought the community closer, have provided over 8500 hours of community service. Kevin uses his free time to explore and develop other volunteer activities for the two youth organizations.

 

If you would like to share your experiences or comments, please email Kevin at: Kwilliamsjournal@aol.com


 

Jonathan M. Mui

Jonathan M. Mui, 15 years old, is a freshman high school student that endeavors in well meaning community service and outstanding academic achievement. He was one of the first ten founding members that started the People To People International - Go International For Tomorrow (GIFT) in 2003. Recently, he is elected as a Vice President. Jonathan feels gratified and privileged to be part of GIFT due to its successful humanitarian efforts in a short time.

 

Jonathan is painfully aware of his auspicious life compared to those of the less fortunate. Jonathan has volunteered his time since he was 6 years old by playing the piano and writing cards and letters for terminally ill patients and senior citizens. Jonathan also volunteered to teach Chinese immigrant children, reading and writing in English. Jonathan enjoys preparing food for soup kitchens for the Homeless. Jonathan continually strives for equality and excellence in the human spirit. Jonathan believes with all his heart that everyone can spare some time in his or her life to help another.

 

Jonathan was involved with Student Government Organization throughout Elementary and Middle School He has attended the Montclair State University Program for the Gifted. Additionally, he has studied the Chinese language and history for seven years. . Jonathan is a ROGATE (Resources Offered for the Gifted and Talented Education) SAT award recipient. He was also awarded other scholastic achievements in science, art and music. He was also inducted into the Junior Honor Society.

 

Jonathan attends the Science Academy at his local high school. He is versed in different disciplines including Music; Piano, Saxophone - Concert / Jazz Band, Chorus, Drums, Art; Water Colors, Sculpture, Portrait Painting, Dance; Chinese Lion Dance, Modern Dance. Jonathan is involved in extra-curricular in high school like the Science and Engineering Club and Mu Alpha Theta Society. He also attends the School of Rock for Music and the Florentine School of Art and Music.

 

Rachel G. Kantor

Rachel G. Kantor, 15, is a freshman at Secaucus High School. Rachel became a black belt in Tae kwon Do while she was in 3rd grade, which is a very big accomplishment in her life. Rachel is also an accomplished Bat Mitzvah student and as graduated Hebrew school in which she attended for 9 years. She has been a high honor student throughout elementary school up until now in high school. Rachel is very involved in her school and in many extracurricular activities, such as: Band, chorus, Tennis, Track and Softball. Rachel is a very caring person and loves her family and friends very much. She also loves to learn and feels that her education is a very important aspect of her life. Rachel also loves to help people or to put out a helping hand to those in need.



Maria L. Sallustio

Maria Sallustio, 14, is a freshman at Secaucus High School. She has been involved in many community services since 6th grade. She participates in many school activities and clubs such as, the Science/Art club, the Technology club, Mu Alpha Theta, the Challenge club, Key Club, band, and chorus. She is currently an officer for Mu Alpha Theta, and has been participating in the school musicals since 7th grade. She has been acknowledged for her academic achievements in the Who's Who among American Students. She also received the Citizenship award in Middle School.


Maria not only is active in school activities, but is also involved with the Youth Group at the Church; she has narrated 2 of Living Stations of the Cross that were performed at the church on Good Friday.

 

Recently, she was elected as administrative assistant of GIFT. She has been an active member since November 2003, taking part in the events such as; Chinese New year, wrapping gifts for the toy drive, and organizing a fundraising activity for the Tsunami relief effort, and hopes to take part in many in the future. She loves to put smiles on people’s faces, and knows that this is a great way to do so.

 

OFFICERS IN TRAINING (OIT)



FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
Eric Jeffas, Chantal Lopez, Aurora Lopez, Cassandra Penna, and Zachary Dreiss