Page 12 - September 2025 FINAL

12 September 2025 NHTownCrier.com

Throughout the summer, students participated in A special highlight of the program was a visit from
a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum. They Hunter Willis, a national yo-yo champion, who spoke
learned to build and manage household budgets, to students about the power of discipline, focus, and
distinguish between wants and needs, and make sound perseverance. His story inspired the children to pursue
spending decisions. This financial foundation was their goals with dedication and passion.
reinforced during hands-on entrepreneurship sessions, The program concluded with a joyful graduation
where students created and sold crafts and products ceremony, where each student was awarded a
to community members during two marketplace certificate of participation. Parents and community
weekends leading up to graduation. members cheered as the students celebrated their
STEM education came to life when students met local accomplishments, many of them squealing with delight
contractor Ty Lewis, who demonstrated how math as they accepted their recognition.
and planning are essential to his work in construction. The Carol Crooms Roots & Wings Summer Youth
Carol Crooms Wings & Roots campers surround Phoenix This real-world application of classroom skills helped Program proved to be a transformative experience—
Radio owner and Phoenix media editor, Cassandra Harris students make direct connections between academic one that blended education with empowerment, and
Lockwood at media workshop learning and career opportunities. structure with creativity. With no matching funds
Students also received grooming instruction and and no tuition, the program succeeded in delivering
Carol Crooms Roots & Wings vocational exposure from a local barber, learning both impactful, life-changing lessons to the youth of Utica,
hair braiding and barbering techniques. These lessons planting seeds for a stronger, more self-sufficient future
Summer Program Delivers emphasized not only skill development but also self- generation.

Real-World STEM and Life confidence, hygiene, and potential career paths in the
Skills to Utica Youth personal care industry.
The program featured an engaging media and
The Carol Crooms Roots & Wings Summer Youth communications component led by Cassandra Harris-
Program, held at the Carol L. Crooms BECA Center Lockwood, CEO of Phoenix Radio. She offered students
in Utica, provided more than 25 students with an a behind-the-scenes look at running a radio station and
enriching experience grounded in real-world learning, producing a community newspaper, sparking interest
STEM exploration, vocational training, and community in broadcasting, journalism, and storytelling. NYS Approved Defensive
engagement. Entirely free of charge, the program Students also had the opportunity to engage with Dr.
operated solely on in-kind donations and volunteer Shyqual Lewis, an emergency physician at Mohawk Driving Course Offered
support, a testament to the strength and generosity of Valley Health System (MVHS). Dr. Lewis introduced
the local community. them to the basics of emergency medical care and New York State approved defensive drivers
Founded by Teoka Muhammad in memory of her shared insights into the critical and rewarding role course for insurance and point reduction
late mother-in-law and long-time community activist of medical professionals, inspiring curiosity about program will be provided by AARP on
Carol Crooms, the program aimed to equip the next healthcare careers. Tuesday, Sept. 30 & Thurs Oct. 30
generation with practical knowledge and life skills. “I Another key component of the program was New Hartford Public Library
wanted to honor her legacy by providing real-world agricultural education. Students planted leafy vegetables from 9am to 3:30pm.
experiences centered in STEM and vocational training in the Cornhill neighborhood, designated as a food For registration and other information, please
for future generations,” said Muhammad. Judging desert, learning about sustainability, food justice, and contact Mary Merritt at (315)724-0096.
by the enthusiastic response from both students and the importance of healthy eating habits. This hands- Call early classes fill up fast.
parents, the program was a powerful match for the on experience connected them with the land and their Open to all ages.
needs of the community. local environment in a meaningful way.

The O lde W icker M ill

Central New York’s Premier Gift Store

Your One-Stop Shop for Back to School In Style!

GREAT
TEACHER
BAG!
Backpacks
Lunch Bunches
Lanyards
Totes

Great for Students
and Teachers

COME CHECK OUT
THE LEAK-PROOF
BRUMATE!

Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-7pm • Saturday 9:30am-5pm • Sunday 11am-5pm
New Hartford Shopping Center | (315) 724-5291 • 50 Auert Ave., Utica NY 13502 | (315) 507-2013 • Visit us on Facebook and Instagram