The township spent a portion of its June meeting to cite the Youth Advisory Committee’s (YAC) inaugural talent show last month at the DeMasi Schools.
Students of all ages showcased talents that included singing, dancing, playing music and performing poetry. Mayor Jackie Veasy and police officers were on hand to present awards.
“Our Youth Advisory Committee had the brilliant idea of hosting a community-wide talent show for our youth to celebrate all the talents our local youth have,” Veasy pointed out at the meeting. “(There were) many presentations of music, art, different styles of dancing and even a book written and read to us by one of our young community members.
“Everything was very well done, and I want to thank our Youth Advisory Committee for putting it together and hosting it.”
State Assemblyman Anthony Angelozzi then presented the YAC members with legislative citations for their efforts.
“My favorite part of my job is talking to students and young people about what they’re passionate about,” he noted.
Angelozzi also commended Deputy Mayor Heather Cooper for her work as liaison to the youth committee.
“(Cooper’s) leadership of (the committee) is a major part of why this program is so successful,” he explained. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know members of this group on my campaign, and now interns in my legislative office. I’ve seen first hand how (Cooper’s) leadership is helping students get involved, so thank you.”
Angelozzi acknowledged it isn’t easy to perform in front of peers.
“It’s scary, but I’m a true believer that confidence is not something that you have,” he said, “it’s something that you build, and performing at a talent show is how you start to build that confidence and feel good about yourself.
“I want to commend all of you up here for having the courage to step on stage and share your talents,” Angelozzi added. “You should all be very proud. Getting involved in your community matters, (and) it’s exciting to see so many shining young people engaged and contributing in meaningful ways.”
The assemblyman then presented legislative proclamations to each student. The township also awarded them certificates on behalf of Congressman Herb Conaway.
To learn more about the YAC, visit www.evesham-nj.org/boards/yac.
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members pose alongside talent show participants, along with state Assemblyman Anthony Angelozzi and township council at a June meeting where they were cited for putting together their youth talent show.
