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Spirit of Youth Award: 2008: Lance Garner
After losing his mother at a young age, Lance Garner, of Volcano, Hawaii, became a self-described "troublemaker" with a severe alcohol abuse problem and multiple run-ins with the law. Smart but unchallenged in school, Lance dropped out in the 10th grade with plans to pursue a career as an electrician. However, in his senior year, a guidance counselor steered Lance toward an alternative school program for at-risk youth. Deciding that a high school degree "might be pretty useful," Lance joined the program and quickly excelled, raising his GPA from 0.7 to 3.6 in a matter of months.
Having graduated from high school with honors, Lance now works at a catering business and has served for the past two years as a youth mentor at the Kea'au Youth Business Center, a program that engages at-risk students and encourages them to complete high school. In addition to his work and volunteer commitments, Lance is a full-time student at Hawaii Community College where he holds a 4.0 GPA.
Having overcome significant personal obstacles, Lance inspires the youth he mentors with a caring and determined attitude, encouraging other young people to see their potential and succeed as he has.
See all winners of Spirit of Youth Award.
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