North Star Youth Katie Boggs recognized for service

North Star Youth Partnership participant receives Young Philanthropist Award from the Yavapai County Community Foundation for her Teens Taking Action service project to bring awareness to plight of the victims of trafficked

Prescott, Ariz. — Katie Boggs, freshman at Grand Canyon University, received the 2011 Youth Philanthropist Award from the Yavapai County Community Foundation for her work to bring awareness to the plight of victims of trafficking. Boggs completed her project, S.T.A.R. (Sex Trafficking Awareness and Relief), as part of the Teens Talking Action program of North Star Youth Partnership, a teen leadership program.

“Katie is an excellent role model and takes pleasure in helping others. She spent most of last year working on a project near and dear to her heart,” said Diane DeLong, North Star Youth Partnership director, who nominated Boggs for the award.  “Katie is admired by others for her positive choices, leadership, outlook on life, and for being an exceptional role model. She emulates for others that we can all make a difference.”             

While at a youth retreat, Boggs learned about sex trafficking and instantly knew she had to do something to raise awareness about the issue—the average age of entry is 13. Boggs created S.T.A.R.  As part of her awareness campaign, she hosted a community event in Courthouse Square on May 21, which included a special dance by local teens and a presentation. She also created S.T.A.R. lanyards and T-shirts which were sold at the event to benefit Catholic Charities’ DIGNITY program to assist victims of trafficking.

“I just couldn’t believe how young girls were and how they were lured in,” said Boggs on why she chose the project. “No one should be violated in such a harsh, life-altering manner.”

Boggs has always had a heart for helping others. In addition to Teens Taking Action, she also participated in North Star’s Peer Assisted Leadership program, student government, Key Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has also volunteered for a variety of community events.

“I am proud to receive this award because it made me realize that you don’t have to be famous or make a lot of money to make a difference. You can be just an average person,” Boggs said.

North Star Youth Partnership is a program of Catholic Charities Community Services, helping people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities. The program guides youth to be healthy, self-assured, positive and engaged in their communities through an array of programs that build self-confidence and leadership skills.

North Star is currently seeking teens who want to make a difference for its Teens Taking Action and other programs. All teens are invited to apply. For more information, visit northstaryouth.org.

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About Catholic Charities Community Services

Catholic Charities Community Services helps our community's most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives. We help people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities. Last year, we touched 94,575 lives in Central and Northern Arizona. We are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services and are a member organization of Catholic Charities USA. To learn more visit CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

Media Contact: 

Laura Toussaint-Newkirk
Communications and Marketing Manager
602.650.4830
ltoussaint@cc-az.org