Alice Deng, Amador Valley High School
Alice Deng was born in Oakland and attended elementary school there. After her family moved to Pleasanton, Alice realized that lacking the ability to speak up in public was a great hindrance . As shetook steps to gain confidence as a speaker, she decided she could help others. She has co-founded RSVPSpeech Campaign, a non-profit organization that already has spread beyond Pleasanton to other cities,including Berkeley and San Leandro.“We train high school youth to teach [public speaking] skills in their own communities,” explained Alice.“Through our presentations, interactive discussions, gripping games, and one one-on-one lectures, weaim to demystify the process of speech deliverance, cracking one code at a time. I hope that, throughour efforts, the youngest generation of our community will one day find themselves confident andresourceful. One day, they will not be scared to scale the stairs to a stage or be at a loss for words infront of a live audience. Instead, they will embrace the world and proudly let their voices be heard.
”In recognition of the success of RSVP Speech, Alice was inducted into the Alameda County Woman’s Hallof Fame this year. Her other activities have included leadership roles in her school’s chapters ofCalifornia Scholastic Federation (honor society), DECA (international business organization), and themarching band.
Alice has volunteered over 500 hours, including at Open Heart Kitchen, American RedCross, Museum On Main, and Shepard’s Gate Shelter for Battered Women and Children. She serves onthe Tri-Valley/Eden Township Youth Community Court and is past president of the Oakland YouthEnergy Awareness Council.
Diane Hadley, Foothill High School
Diane Hadley has developed her leadership skills through a number of organizations. “Through church, National Charity league, and Girl Scouts, I have had the opportunity to volunteer for more than 30 different charities and community organizations,” wrote Diane. “My favorites have been Corazon, Foster-a-Dream, American Cancer Society, and Shakespeare’s Associates…..
“Imagine not having a home! Corazon is an organization that builds houses in Tijuana for homeless families. I participated in two builds and fell in love with Corazon and the people of Tijuana. Sadly, because of the drug cartel many Americans are fearful of going to Mexico, and the number of Corazon builds has decreased significantly. The truth is, the neighborhoods we support are too poor for drugs, and the only danger comes from being on a construction site. “When I was 15, I decided to organize a build through my church. I got the approval, recruited 50 volunteers, facilitated meetings, and organized transportation, food, and hotels. At the end of the weekend, I was able to hand house keys to a father – a man that works and takes care of his family but needed some help building a home. It felt great to provide him with the help he needed.”
Diane has been involved with Girl Scouts for 12 years, earning the highest honor – Silver Award – by organizing parties to decorate over 100 pillow cases for foster children. At Foothill High School, she has been junior and senior class president. Diane has represented her school as a cheer leader, four years on game squad, two on competition squad, and three as captain. She also was a member of National Charity League for six years, helping with organizations such as the Shakespeare Festival, Special Olympics, and Relay for Life (American Cancer Society).
Robert Razzell - Village High School
Robert was nominated by his teachers because he has done an amazing job making Village a school where students are free to be themselves. He encourages quiet students to let their voices be heard by promoting positivity and leading by example with bravery and acceptance. He is kind, has high standards, works well with a variety of people and always eager to take initiative. Additionally, Robert is considering a career in education and has a secret goal of someday becoming an English teacher here at Village.