First class graduates from Premier Youth & Community Center's Mindset of a Leader mentorship program

Sarina Skye Hudson knew she had to find something meaningful for her teenage son Daython do this summer.

The Moon Township mother searched multiple sites and examined numerous options until she found everything she was looking for right across the Sewickley Bridge — Premier Youth & Community Center was offering its Mindset of a Leader mentorship program at the Sewickley Community Center.

It’s an engaging eight-week program two days a week in June and July that focuses on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional development for teens at no cost to participating families.

“I’ve heard a lot about this program (through a friend),” Hudson said. “We don’t live in Sewickley, which is why he doesn’t really participate as much.

“A lot of the programs I was looking for this summer that were similar to this were charging hundreds of dollars. This is a program that was close, free and very beneficial to my son. … I think it’s important that they include faith. A lot of programs don’t include religion. They teach skills, but faith isn’t a part of it.”

Created by former amateur boxer Jaryd Boyer, team and guest mentors talk about their lives, goals and advise on managing situations.

They talk about the power of their words, choices showing appreciation for what they have and the benefits of thinking things through. Guest mentors included athletes, entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Teens also played basketball and other games and learned how to turn losses into lessons.

About 30 youths signed up and 24 made it through the entire curriculum.

Daython said he was surprised to learn his mom signed him up for the program and it took some time to adjust.

“As soon as I got used to it, I enjoyed it here,” Daython said. “I don’t really like people unless I get to know them. It was a real fun experience. I learned a lot about discipline, how to look people in the eye (and) to smile more and help people in need.”

Program celebration

Program graduates were presented Bibles and plaques, as well as a gift bag courtesy of the Derrelle Revis Foundation, at a celebration event at War Memorial Park in Sewickley on Aug. 1.

The event was also a time for those involved to reflect on the journey and for teens to share what they learned in the program.

Jude Barker, 13, of Beaver, said the program helped him build confidence and become a stronger person.

“It was difficult at first, but it turned fun over time,” Jude said. “It was hard to get in a group and pay attention and be myself. It’s made me feel like I have more control over my own choices instead of having my friends choose for me. It’s made me feel better as a person.”

Jude said his favorite activity was boxing and he plans to return next year.

Jessica Reinhardt of Beaver Falls has known Boyer for years and was involved in his Rochester boxing program.

She recalled how he set up a desk for her son, Chorde, then in kindergarten, for him to do his homework while she worked out at the gym.

“We’ve been a part of Premier since it started,” Reinhardt said. “Chorde was always a high-energy kid. I was always looking for things that would lure his energy out.

After hearing Boyer was launching a mentorship effort in Sewickley, it was easy for Reinhardt to get her son, now, 16, involved.

“Jaryd’s always been a positive force in our lives,” Reinhardt said. “Not everybody comes from a good homelife, a good background. They can get lost in the trials and tribulations of life. That’s why we’re here (for mentorship).

“If you care about the trajectory of your child’s life you will bring your kid here. If you care about them becoming a good person and building character and having integrity. … I would encourage everyone to come out.”

SCC vice president Stratton Nash talked about Boyer’s success with the teens and how his programs coalesce with the community center’s mission.

“Jaryd approached us almost exactly 18 months ago,” Nash said. “Within six months, I had a good friend. Within 12 months, I had a great friend. No one has ever come from zero to that that quickly in my life. He’s unifying. He has effectively merged leadership and Christian principals in one class and done well at it, and kept his students engaged.”

Quaker Valley youth travel basketball coach Kevin Boyle served as one of the mentors.

He said Boyer also volunteers as a basketball coach and the two bonded during that experience.

“I’ve seen what he can do just in that environment,” Boyle said. “He told me about the program and was looking for speakers and games for the kids. If Jaryd asks, I’m going to come help.

“I talked about the power of words and I related it to things that they deal with on a daily basis. How they speak to their brother and sister and how it relates later in life. I did another (talk) on handling adversity and we had a concept of lane change versus a u-turn. When you encounter adversity or a problem that it’s just changing lanes, trying something new. It’s not, ‘turn around, dead end, it’s over.’”

Boyer called the summer program one of the best he’s ever seen.

“I think it’s really nice what programs do at the end and celebrate the kids,” Hudson said. “Some programs don’t do it. The programs that do, it’s always a good thing for kids to get to know each other, talk a little bit, exchange numbers outside of the program.

Building for next year

Boyer mingled with the many people who packed the park pavilion for the program’s graduation celebration.

He said there is a need for mentorship in Sewickley. He plans to build on the program’s success for next summer and may introduce other leadership activities for the fall and winter this year.

“It exceeded my expectation,” Boyer said. “The way the boys showed up. Not just the amount of time, it was how they came to the program. Expecting, willing to learn, coachable, trainable, teachable. Great group of young men. Best group I’ve every worked with.”

Boyer said the program is open to boys and girls. However, only boys registered for the inaugural effort. There were four team mentors and six special guests.

“My favorite part is always when the guest mentors come in,” Boyer said. “It’s like a little experiment of mine. I don’t tell them what I’ve already told the kids. They come in and give their testimony. They always touch on things that I’ve taught, the values and integrity and what it takes to be successful. That’s my favorite part.”

More information is available at pyccenter.org or by emailing info@pyccenter.org.