Taking the Initiative: Youth Organizes Tennis Shoe Drive

By Jeanne Konicki

Meagan Perez, an 8th grade student at Little Flowers Catholic School in Bethesda, Maryland, made a big difference this summer in the lives of students participating in LAYC’s Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Academy.

Meagan loves to play tennis and wanted to make sure other young people had a chance to play the game. She talked to Sal DeLeva, Coordinator of the Pancho Gonzalez Academy and the Washington Metro Region's Latino Friendship Junior Cup, and learned that many students lack the proper athletic shoes to play tennis. Meagan organized a tennis shoe drive benefiting participants in LAYC’s Pancho Gonzalez Tennis Academy. She handed out flyers and garnered support from friends, classmates, and parents.

Megan raised $300.00 for athletic shoes for students. “I’m really proud and satisfied with the outcome of this collection," she said, “and glad to be able to help out and share the game of tennis with other kids.”

“It is great to see youth wanting to help out young people at LAYC,” said Mike Leon, LAYC's fitness programs coordinator; “Meagan recognized a need and addressed it, providing students who want to play tennis with much needed equipment.” Added Leon, “I know Meagan’s work will inspire other young people!”