Exceptional Youth Robert Stevens

Robert Stevens has been involved with Washington State University’s Mossyrock Horizons Program from the onset of the Focus Meetings held in Mossyrock. He attended many of the Steering Committee meetings as one of a select few Student Representatives. Remembering his enthusiasm for upcoming projects back then still makes me smile. He continually raised his hand to volunteer for anything we needed, from internet research and picture taking to brainstorming. Once Mossyrock Area Action League evolved from the WSU Steering Committee he still continued to offer his time and energy to events.

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival has had Robert Stevens as their Chief Youth Volunteer from its inception. His duties have evolved from grunt for the musical stage and running miscellaneous errands during the festival’s first year; to assisting in the Information Booth, roadie for the scheduled bands and car parking attendant years later. He has always showed up the night before festival to assist the Fire Department in setting up the Main Stage. Without a doubt the Blueberry Festival has prospered in part due to the student helpers like Robert.

Robert has volunteered for innumerable events. The annual Halloween Party at the Community Center, Sign Making, moving a room full of old ceramic molds (an overwhelmingly tough project) a Veterans Dinner preparation, and Youth Leadership Club just to mention a few. He participated in Youth Leadership and Communications training through WSU in Spokane, WA. This conference afforded him his first trip on a plane and an opportunity to tour Washington State University’s Spokane Campus.

Robert is not only an asset to our community but to his family as well. He has helped supplement his family’s income by cutting and selling firewood until he was old enough to work part time. This is not to say that growing up has been simple or problem free for him but he is undaunted by the roadblocks set before him.

Robert is graduating this year. We wish him well. His enthusiasm and strong work ethic will serve him well in his future. All of us who have had the pleasure of working with him want the best for Robert and hope all his dreams are fulfilled.

Carlyn Jensen