Rhonda Palmer
Co-president of Educate Youth for the past year. Previously, to this, she was the president of the board for two years.
1. What has the Educate Youth program done for you?
Educate Youth has provided a space for me to work more closely with young people. As someone moving quickly toward 70 years, I have appreciated the passion, perseverance, the wisdom, the laughter, the honesty of the students at EY. Who knew that there could be such an infusion of energy and delight as I reach retirement age?
2. Do you see the program growing in the future? If so, in what way?
I truly believe this program will be moving from strength to strength in the future, with expanded facilities, more staff, more students. I believe this will be a hub of activity for Ypsilanti high school students who are determined to get the best education, and who want to contribute to the well-being of the community.
3. Tell one story about your time in the Educate Youth program that you will always remember?
I remember coming into the clubhouse one day during the pandemic, just to drop off some supplies. The students who were there mentioned that they wanted to paint, so we ALL got out the art supplies and started working on some amazing artwork (some of it is still up at the clubhouse.) The painting moved to the walls, where one of Richard Thomas’ poems was painted in the front room, fingerprint hearts and names were written in the back room. It was a peaceful, beautiful, artful day!!!
