In 2014, a new award was introduced into the Worcester YouthBuild Program with the hopes of starting a new tradition at every graduation going forward. The Pedro Vazquez-Calderon YouthBuild Pride Award was named for its first recipient Pedro Vazquez Calderon. It’s an award that goes to an individual who displays good character, has pride in what he or she does, and rises above all expectations. It’s an award that goes to a person who can be counted on to help others and leaves a good impression on everyone he or she encounters.

At the 2015 Worcester YouthBuild graduation, The Pedro Vazquez-Calderon YouthBuild Pride Award was presented to Akiana Molina. According to Mike Quigley, Worcester YouthBuild Program Director, “Akiana is what YouthBuild is all about. She has the right attitude and the drive to succeed. There is no quit in Akiana. She displayed tremendous character by the way she presented herself every day, through her care for others, her tireless work ethic and the pride she showed in being a YouthBuild student. Nobody loves YouthBuild more than Akiana. She is the poster child of what a YouthBuild student should be.”

Congratulations Akiana!