Join us for our annual semi-formal dinner celebration to recognize volunteers and partners during our Youth Charity Event January 12, 2012 at the Nspire building.  This night of giving will be filled with music and fun for you an your guest.  Remember your presence and support is "Essential" and we look forward to seeing you there.  For additional information and to purchase a ticket, please visit http://youthcharityevent.eventbrite.com/.

Michael's Story

He began by quoting Aristotle, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” When asked why this particular quote jumped out at him Ward-Evans responded, “It just hit me as him saying even though there may be chaos and uproar around you, if you can just stay focused…on your goal…no matter what’s going on aroundyou, you still will succeed.”

This has been the case for Ward-Evans.  He always knew he wanted to go to college and with it being his last year of high school, he has been working towards achieving that goal.  He’s applied to Louisiana State University, Hampton University, Georgia State University, West Georgia University, and St. John’s University. 

Founder of OutchaMind, William Johnson recalls Ward-Evans wearing a LSU jacket claiming his strong desire to one day attend.  He recently was accepted into both LSU and Hampton; an accomplishment that the entire organization as well as Ward-Evans’ family is extremely proud of. 

Johnson remembered meeting Ward-Evans when he was “introverted and kind of shy.  And now he’s standing in front of other people and he’s talking. This is a major transition for a young man who was once, as most adolescents, unsure of what direction he wanted to go.  Now he’s headed to the college that he always dreamed of attending."

Ward-Evans reflected on some of the lessons he learned in NoLimits-No Boundaries training.  In Series One he learned the principles that taught im the importance of strong character.  In Series Two he learned how to effectively communicate through Toastmaster sessions and to prepare business plans.

Based upon a skills assessment, Ward-Evans confirmed his interests lie in science and engineering. He plans on majoring in a relative program with along with a goal to be able to help others.  “Even if I don’t know them I want to be able to help and teach those the principles to my children and grandchildren.”

With aspirations so high, passion, focus, and the support offamily, friends, and mentors, Ward-Evans is destined to achieve even more thanwhat he’s set out for.