SHS Junior Makes a Splash for Pine Ridge Youth

On April 26, 2015 Scarsdale High School Junior Steven Berke, a member of the Scarsdale Congregational Church Youth Action Committee (YAC) organized and ran a Car Wash to raise money for Lakota Children's Enrichment, a nonprofit organization that amplifies the voices of Native Youth living on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This was the second year that Steven led the annual YAC fundraiser.

Steven brought together a team of about 20 car washers of all ages, including YAC members and volunteers from surrounding communities who learned about the event. The YAC team and others rolled up their sleeves, got drenched for the cause and in less than two hours, with two shifts of enthusiastic washers cleaning at three stations, they raised over $800.

Steven has a personal commitment to the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. He visited Pine Ridge as a freshman in High School on a service trip with YAC. He said, "I saw the daily hardships that the people living there had to endure, and it really hit me how much they needed help. As soon as I heard about the opportunity to run the car wash at the Scarsdale Congregational Church to benefit the Lakota, I immediately volunteered. This was my second year doing the car wash... and the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. It was amazing how hard people worked, and the turnout was great!" Steven said he looks forward to being "more involved" and to an even more successful event next year!

Steven Berke is the incoming President of Scarsdale High School's STEP Club, which in the fall will welcome Summer Montileaux, LCE's Youth Board Vice Chair from the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Berke family currently hosts STEP student Robert Lee, who will enter Vanderbilt University in September.

LCE President Maggie Dunne said "The kids who participate in our programs on Pine Ridge are as talented and hopeful as children anywhere. We help turn their ideas into action, help them find leadership roles, provide community service opportunities and, most importantly, identify avenues of support to help them attain their dreams. The incredible successes of our YAB members coming up in the ranks is a testimony to the exceptional abilities of the rising generation of Native Youth, and to our collaborative approach. It's inspirational to see young people in NY like Steven rally to support our work. Under Steven's leadership in the last two years, dozens of NY teens have taken action, and their contributions of time and energy have helped fill large gaps in essential services that if left unaddressed would create an un-level playing field for their peers in SD. At LCE we say 'Why wait until tomorrow if you can change the world today?' Steven's team isn't waiting for others to step in, they are taking action to become part of the solution right now -- it doesn't get much better than that."

About the Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (YAC), run under the supervision of Senior Minister Frances Grenley at the Scarsdale Congregational Church, is a group of High School students from across Westchester County who volunteer time towards community service projects. YAC supports a diverse portfolio of projects that include many local hunger and homelessness initiatives. YAC bi-annually devotes Spring Break to a service trip on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and holds an annual car wash to raise funds for Lakota Children's Enrichment, a nonprofit founded by former YAC member Maggie Dunne.

About Lakota Children's Enrichment

Lakota Children's Enrichment is a for-purpose nonprofit that provides leadership and mentorship opportunities to youth from the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. LCE works collaboratively with community groups and a Youth Board to create and produce opportunities for community service, arts, literacy, leadership and mentorship. LCE's premiere programs include: an annual Writing and Art Challenge, which has the support of renowned panel of judges; Youth Summits that provide opportunities for expression in the arts, education, mentorship, leadership and always incorporate community service; and a Youth Advisory Board from across the Reservation, who help create new programs. LCE further provides essential support and services to help community members implement programs benefiting Native Youth, and educates people about the obstacles facing America's first peoples today.