Reflection

 When walking through Central Park I stumbled across something that I had never seen before. In the middle of the park stood a gravesite; which later I came to find out this site was entitled the “Youth Grove”. The gravesite was full of 102 wooden stumps each with a name of a youth from the age of 24 and younger that have died of drinking and driving in Santa Clarita. According to the City of Santa Clarita website, “the Santa Clarita Youth Grove is a grassroots effort supported by the City of Santa Clarita and the Blue-Ribbon Task Force. The Youth Grove […] provides a safe, centralized location for young people and community members to remember these youth.”
The youth grove is used, “to reflect upon the unfortunate consequences of drinking and driving, and of reckless driving,” added the city of Santa Clarita. As a youth myself I found it difficult to see this gravesite and my heart goes out to the parents that have lost their kids in such tragic situations. It was in that moment, S.T.R.E.A.M. realized we could help in this community by empowering kids through early outreach. While doing these Expos we have found when kids get excited about their dreams and aspirations their self-esteem, confidence and decision making gets better.
On October 4 and 5, S.T.R.E.A.M. has partnered with College of the Canyons, Hart School District, Economic Development, and many more to celebrate National Manufacturing. The purpose of this event is to highlight companies that have a passion for early outreach and are doing exciting things in the fields of manufacturing and advanced technology.
If you are also interested in early outreach and being involved in our company expo, please visit our website www.StreamKidExpo.org.