Meet Azariah McLymore, senior at Newburgh Free Academy, North Campus. Azariah is in the PTECH Excelsior Program and has her own foundation to empower youth and rise above the expectation.

In the words of Ms. McLymore:

In 2016, I started McLymore Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization that supports youth in rising above the expectations. One component of The McLymore Foundation is the anti-violence, anti-bullying campaign and huge advocates for education. I started the foundation because I was and am tired of seeing bullying and violence all around me. I didn't just want to sit and watch all of this happen, so I decided to take action! 

We host a number of events and programs which include art events that teach youth to use art to express emotions instead of violence. We hold clothing drives for under privileged residents and run tutoring sessions during summer to support students with retaining what was learned and preparing for the year ahead.  We also have a literacy focus. Our main goal and focus is helping youth rise above the expectation and giving them the skills to do so. To see the youth in my community thrive, become influences themselves and continue to improve their surroundings is a dream that will be accomplished through the work in my foundation.

My greatest aspiration for McLymore Foundation Inc. is to have a headquarters and youth center. By doing this I will create a safe space for youth to do homework, attend events, build leadership skills and more. McLymore Foundation Inc., has allowed me the opportunities to help those who need it more than anyone and I am extremely grateful to be the face of an organization that will be changing my community day by day. 

“In my younger years, I wasn’t treated the best in school in terms of being made fun of and at the same time, there was a lot of violence in the city. I wanted to make a difference in a few people’s lives and hopefully they would pass that along to others.” Azariah McLymore, senior at NFA, North Campus

So far, Ms. McLymore estimates having touched 50-100 lives so far. Her efforts have included cothing and shoe drives, a summer scholars program for students to get ahead in school, a family dance, a health fair, a book club, and anticipates that a art club will begin next month.

On February 17th we are giving out clothes and shoes to those in need! If anyone has anything to donate, please contact me via email: mclymorefoundation@gmail.com. 

You can find out more about the McLymore Foundation on Twitter @AzariahMcLymore or Facebook and Instagram @McLymoreFoundation or by emailing:  mclymorefoundation@gmail.com.