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Bloomfield Youth Assistance honors 19 students and two community members; scholarships awarded
Summary
Bloomfield Youth Assistance celebrated 19 students and two adults for leadership and volunteerism; several student-led nonprofits and a trio of $1,000 scholarships from the Bloomfield Township Fire Department were highlighted.
Bloomfield Youth Assistance (BYA) hosted an awards ceremony to recognize 19 students and two community members for volunteerism, leadership and service. Paulina Hakobian, BYA chairperson and recognition-committee chair, opened the program by describing BYA's role in Oakland County and its partnership with Bloomfield Hills Schools and local municipalities. Superintendent Rick West delivered the keynote, saying, "Tonight is about recognition, but it is also about reflection," and praised student initiatives that strengthen the community.
The event singled out students who started or expanded service projects, led peer-support efforts and raised funds for charitable causes. Emerson Lazour was honored for turning an auditory-processing diagnosis into leadership: counselors noted Emerson's use of assistive technology, rapid progress in American Sign Language coursework and founding of the Unified Friendship Club to support peers with significant disabilities. School resource officer Jennifer Lowour presented the Police Benevolent Association scholarship and named Emerson as the recipient.
Luke Ado (an 11th grader at Bloomfield Hills High School) was recognized for co-founding a recycling-based fundraising nonprofit that has grown to operate across several area schools and is pursuing 501(c)(3) status. Other student honorees included Alexis (Lexi) Miguori, who led the Box Out breast-cancer fundraiser (raising roughly $1,228 in 2025 and more than $4,000 in 2026); Priyanka Skilton, founder of Little Arrows (a student nonprofit focused on human-trafficking awareness and clinician training); and students who organized peer-support projects such as Project Climbing Everest, which runs small-group "Everest circles" and a scholarship for students pursuing mental-health careers.
Presenters also called attention to accomplishments in athletics, the arts and school leadership. Canada Richardson was cited for multiple wrestling titles and outreach to younger athletes; Jonah Chernet was honored for a comeback to high-level tennis; and several middle-school students were recognized for academic growth and extracurricular achievement.
The Bloomfield Township Fire Department awarded three $1,000 scholarships to Caroline, Priyanka and Luke from its Charities and Benevolence Fund. Organizers thanked partners including Bloomfield Hills Schools, Bloomfield Township police and fire departments, the Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court Family Division, and local PTOs that helped sponsor the reception.
The ceremony closed with nominees assembling for a group photo and final congratulations from BYA organizers. BYA emphasized that these recognitions spotlight everyday acts of leadership and community service while underscoring local partnerships that support youth development.
