On June 11, 2015 the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY) held its annual Youth Achievement Awards ceremony. The MARFY Youth Achievement Awards have been a special tradition for member agencies, families, and youth for many years.  As an association of providers in a field that is often focused on the challenges of our youth and work, it is an evening to celebrate hard work, success and growth.

This year, one of our very own, a young man from John C. Tracey (JCT) Group home, was recognized by MARFY as a Youth Achievement Award Recipient. We are so proud of him for his dedication to himself and his school work. We are also proud of his considerate and thoughtful response to being chosen as an award recipient. He wrote:

“Ms. Tish (JCT Program Manager) and her entire team have all made an impact by talking to me, treating me with respect and encouraging me to be my very best.

Fate is what befalls a man who fails to act; destiny is for men who refuse to accept their failure as fate. We all have failures, the trick is to not let them define you, rather let them refine you and believe in your destiny.”

Congratulations on your hard work and well deserved recognition!