Bright Futures for Our 2013 Graduates

Aaron Walters

My name is Aaron Walters and I am graduating from New Rochelle High School in New Rochelle, N.Y. After graduation I will be attending Washington University in St. Louis. I plan to major in engineering with a minor in architecture. I am a member of J2A at Grace Church and have been attending Grace for my entire life. Over the summer, I plan to travel to Honduras with a few of my fellow J2A members to participate in a work project involving the local youth. At school I am a member of the National Honor Society, The National English Honor Society, The National Social Studies Honor Society, the “Ignite” student mentoring program, and the technology club. Outside of school I have been volunteering at the Greenburgh Nature Center for three years.

Victor A. Chung

My name is Victor Alfonso Chung. I will graduate from White Plains High School on June 20, 2013. My introduction to Grace Church was when I was 10 years old, one Saturday afternoon; I attended an Easter Craft Workshop that was held at Grace Church. One of the instructors was Donna Louis, with whom I already knew from my Pack 5 Cub Scout Group, so I immediately felt comfortable and welcomed into Grace Church. I enrolled in the Rite 13 group in 2006, and after several years, I graduated to the J2A group. I have been serving as an acolyte at Grace Church since February 2009 under the supervision of Lauren Reid. I plan to continue my service to Grace Church after graduating high school.

My community service activities to date have included fundraising activities with the Cub Scouts, participating in the Youth Bureau's "Seuss Up" Program, an after school reading program to elementary students, and volunteering at the Bethel Nursing Home, transporting residents, and participating in games and activities with them. I currently serve on the White Plains Library's Teen Advisory Committee. In school, I have participated in the International Club, played piano in the school Talent Show, and served on the Student Council, which entailed working at the school store and participating in many community service activities, for four years.

I have participated in many athletic activities over the years, including the Middle School Ski Club. I have taken Hip Hop and Salsa dance lessons at the White Plains Library, and I have had ballet, modern and African dance lessons at the YWCA. I have taken swim lessons at the White Plains YMCA, at SUNY Purchase College, and with the White Plains Parks Department, culminating in swimming competitively for two years at the White Plains High School. I have participated in several White Plains Library classes, such as: Babysitting, Boxing Fitness, Macramé, and Chinese Cooking. I have played with the Raptors Ice Hockey Team for several years, and I have participated in the Theater For Action Group at the Rosenthal JCC for four years. Over the years, I have enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, ice skating, karate, camping, sailing lessons, Little League baseball, gymnastics, piano lessons, bowling, and soccer. I have participated for five years in a STEP Program at both Iona and Manhattanville colleges. This program assists Hispanic and African American youth to become more successful in math and science.

My immediate plans include participating in a week-long Theater group at Westchester Community College, a week's sleep away camp at Manhattanville College, and volunteering again at the Bethel Nursing Home. In the fall, I will pursue a two-year certificate at Westchester Community College as a Veterinarian Technician, because I love animals.

I thank my parents, Donna Louis, Uriel and Lauren Reid, Marissa Boylan, Father Kunz and all of my Grace Church family who have witnessed my growth and supported me throughout my years at Grace Church.  I greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers for success in my future pursuits.

Thank you.

Anaiz Reynoso

Anaiz has been a member of Grace Church for 13 years and has served in many ways. She is currently a member of Journey 2 Adulthood (J2A), the Saint Nicholas choir, the acolyte team, and is a lector reader.  In the past, she has volunteered her time to help with Sunday school. Anaiz is graduating from Woodlands High School. Throughout Anaiz’s high school experience she has been involved in many activities and received many honors. Listed are some of her extracurricular activities; high school band, Police Advisory Committee, president of L.A.S.O (Latin American Student Organization), and W.I.S.E (Woodlands Individualized Senior Experience) participant. A highlight is that she was one of the founders of the Woodlands Glee Club. She has received vocal recognition, the Band Recognition Award, recognition for participating in the Police Advisory committee, and the WING Award. 

After graduation, Anaiz is looking forward to attending Manhattanville College, with a major in Psychology and vocal music. Her career goal is to become a music therapist.

Dominique Bradley

My name is Dominique James Bradley; I was born July 2, 1995 in Mount Vernon hospital. I attended Salesian high school for four years. I will be attending Westchester Community College at the end of August. I was not much into school activities, but freshman year of my high school career I tried out for the soccer team. I did not make it. During senior year, I joined the cross country team for the fall season. I was constantly open and involved in school spirit activities such as Halloween activities and more. I have attended Grace Church in White Plains, N.Y., since I was six months of age.Through the years, I served on the altar and helped out with social events and holiday events on many occasions. Since I became older I honestly have not been as active in church life but I plan to change that since I personally have felt the absence of my church community in my life. I hope to create a bright future as a culinary chef in the future. 

—  Compiled by Marissa Boylan