Ms California United States 2011: Efren Penaflorida IS the 2009 CNN "Hero of The Year"

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Efren Penaflorida IS the 2009 CNN "Hero of The Year"

I was so excited to watch the CNN Heroes special this weekend. Mainly because it honored so many wonderful people that are "heroes" within their own communities. These people are some of the most humble people that are draw to their "calling" in life. Earlier this year I voted online for my favorite hero, Efren Penaflorida. He was announced as the 2009 winner and was given $100,000 for his charity called Dynamic Teen Company. This organization is a mobile school program for the children of the slums in the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS EFREN!!!

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My Platform

In 2009 I traveled over 7,000 miles across the state of Texas, and helped to raise over $200,000 for after-school and youth mentoring programs; with The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Big Brothers & Big Sisters. I believe that many of our youth are growing up too fast, and being negatively influenced. Many children are coming from broken homes and I believe that through after-school programs and positive mentoring these youth can be productive in today's society instead of destructive. Growing up I had two working parents, and had many friends that were “latch key kids”. I have seen first hand the dangers of gang violence and the importance of these programs. Having volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1999 and mentoring my “little sister” through Big Brother and Big Sisters, I see a need for positive outlets for young teens. For youth, 12 - 14 years old is a crucial time when youth are exposed to gangs. Also boys and girls involved in after school programs are 50% less likely to drop out of high school, and 2.5 times more likely to go on to further education.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award