Every year the YWCA of Kalamazoo honors a group of young women with the YWCA Young Women of Achievement Award. This year 26 young women recieved this award on May 17, 2012 at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo by the YWCA of Kalamazoo.

Four of these 26 women from various schools came from Loy Norrix High School: seniors Ray’Von Jones, Mariah Isaac, Polina Naumova, and Alexandra Pines.

The women who were nominated originally found out by a letter in the mail several weeks before the event. Several of the students were unaware that they were being nominated until they received the letter.

“I was very surprised. It was a great honor to be even thought of to be nominated,” said Naumova. Naumova was nominated by Loy Norrix Peace Jam advisor Sveri May and counselor Rebecca Learner.

Jones was also surprised to find out she was nominated.

“I was honored that these individuals, who have all made a difference in my life, saw something special in me,” said Jones. Jones was nominated by her employer, Government teacher Arthur Williams, and counselor Susan Benton.

The YWCA is s women’s membership organization. According to the YWCA site, the “YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” The YWCA offers counseling, a help line, teen and adult mentoring, and child care. They dedicate themselves to helping women succeed in life and to push the boundaries set by others.

“The YWCA is an amazing organization with an amazing mission. So being honored at this celebration was a huge deal to me,” said Jones.