Assemblyman Brian Curran celebrates young leaders in Baldwin

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Assemblyman Brian Curran hosted a “Young Leaders In the 21st” event two weeks ago, which honored young people who made a positive difference in their community.

Three people from Baldwin were recognized for their efforts to make a difference. Those people were Samory Fecu, Emily Budhu, and Kaitlin Timmes. Curran highlighted these individuals as young leaders.

Fecu was born on April 14, 2009. At the age of nine months, he wanted to kick a ball and that was his inspiration to begin walking. He was always very determined to maintain a physical lifestyle. His coaches notice his love for sports and excellent athleticism, as he’s chosen to participate on higher-level soccer and basketball teams.

In 2020, Fecu received the PAL Good Sportsmanship, Citizenship, and Character award. In 2022, he was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. As a member of the Honor Society, he participated in food drives, donations, and a breast cancer walk. In 2022, he volunteered in the spring basketball clinic for South Nassau developmental sports in Baldwin.

Fecu is known in his community for being generous and kind. He occasionally visits elderly neighbors and helps others with outdoor chores. From 2020 to 2022, his high academics earned him a place on the Baldwin Middle School High Honor Roll.  During his middle school experiences, he developed a strong love for history and mathematics.

Budhu is 13 years old and is in eighth grade at Baldwin Middle School. She is a member of the Junior Honor Society. As a member, she has walked for Breast Cancer Awareness, made valentines for vets, and volunteered to tutor sixth graders.

She is also a member of the Principal’s Council. Budhu sat in on multiple interviews to hire guidance counselors for her school. She plays two sports, which are soccer and softball.

Community service is very important to her family. Ever since Budhu was seven years old, she has donated a portion of her birthday and Christmas money to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Budhu has donated her hair twice, 9 to 15 inches, to help make wigs for patients in need. She has also donated her used clothes to the Lupus Foundation.

She enjoys going to the park, listening to music, and watching horror movies. Having all these experiences has given Budhu confidence and stability in her everyday life.

Timmes is not only a model student, but she is also a caring and kind individual. She is considerate of those around her and is involved in school activities. She does not hesitate to help those around her and understands what it means to be a positive member of a school community.

A great example of her being a positive member of the school community happened this year when Timmes became injured and could not participate in girls’ basketball. While most students would be disappointed and upset, Kaitlin still attended every game and practice to support her team. She is the true definition of a team player.

“Young people are powerful,” Curran said. “Samory, Emily, and Kaitlin are great examples of young leaders.”

Ben Fiebert