Juan Reyes
Myself Third Spirit of New York 2008 Scholarship Winner
Manhattan Bridges High School
Borough of Manhattan Community College
"Juan Reyes is a student who is well-rounded. He is an athlete, who is also very studious. Indeed, I have seen few such students in my teaching career, students who are at once socially popular and academically diligent. Juan is unique in this regard. He has contributed a great deal at Manhattan Bridges, not only in class, but also outside the academic realm. In addition to maintaining a 93% GPA, Juan has found time to get involved in community and extra-curricular activities. He was a key member of the Young Citizen's Center (YCC), a community group that did work at El Museo del Barrio, researching Latin American art and history. Juan has left his mark on the dance club, the drama club, and the soccer team, continually exhibiting involvement, dedication and flair at Manhattan Bridges."
—David DiBiasio, ESL/English Teacher
Work, Volunteer, and Extra-Curricular Activities
- Group Leader, The Young Citizens Center
- Athlete, Manhattan Bridges HS Soccer Team
- Intern, El Museo del Barrio
Excerpts from Juan's Essay
In the fall of my junior year, I saw a group of students who were members of a leadership program called the Young Citizens Center. They were trying to address issues within the school and I decided to join. In class, I was astonished to see how many students were reluctant to speak their minds for fear of being disregarded by their classmates. I also noticed that those who were the majority often did not respect the opinions of others. I realized that it was my responsibility as a citizen to ensure that there is a safe and balanced environment so that everyone's opinions are seen as worthy and equal. Moreover, it was up to me to speak up for those who were afraid to speak for themselves.
Through leadership and community organization training, I created a service-learning project to address this issue…. I worked to raise awareness of other cultures and to persuade our classmates to celebrate our differences. This experience helped me understand the meaning of civic engagement. I realized that strength, dedication, and leadership skills helped me to improve my school community by creating an environment where citizens are free to speak their minds. I also realized my potential as an agent of social change, and that my work as a citizen is never done.
