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Inspirational Awardees for the Month

YOUTH OF THE YEAR: JEREMIAH WHITLEY

Jeremiah Whitley, our National PAL 2020 - 2021 Youth of the Year, is an inspirational youth leader is from the City of Miami, FL, PAL, along with the Miami Explorer Program Post 122.  Within the post, Whitely serves as the Explorer Captain and sets a prime example of what it means to be a PAL youth leader. Those within the post describe him as timely, caring, and respectful to all whom he encounters regardless of their background. Jeremiah has volunteered a total of 2,533 hours of community service within the Explorer Program while maintaining A/B honor roll status. His favorite place to give back is the UM Hospital in memory and honor of his late mother (a former Miami Police Officer) who, unfortunately, passed away of cancer. Those who encounter him describe him as a compassionate friend and servant of the community. Most recently, Jeremiah thoughtfully made and distributed medical masks to community members to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OF THE OF THE YEAR: Abbigail Isenhour

Abbigail Isenhour of the Vacaville, CA Police Activities League is the National PAL 2021 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. This Officer is the mission of PAL in human form. She decided to become a mentor to youth in the Vacaville Police Activities League (VPAL) so that they could help build critical bonds between law enforcement, youth, and the community and provide ongoing alternatives to juvenile delinquency. This officer regularly participates in team-building events such as paint nights, virtual escape rooms, and culinary sessions and regularly visits youth at home to check on the wellness of the youth and their families. Youth look up to this officer so much that they selected her for the VPAL’s Officer of the Year award in 2017. This officer is also a member of the PAL Board to ensure that youth programs remain a priority in the police department. Her dedicated and consistent contributions have made a life-long impact on VPAL youth.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Alexis John

Alexis John of the Durham, NC Police Athletic League is the National PAL 2021 Volunteer of the Year. It has been said that life’s biggest lessons, opportunities, and gifts are found in a person’s connection with others. The winner of the Inspirational Volunteer of the Year Award has that gift of connection and has been described as a “Servant of the Community.” As a volunteer with Durham PAL, and the Neighborhood Improvement Services Coordinator for the City of Durham for her “Real” job, this person has been instrumental in engaging youth and helping Durham PAL expand its reach in Durham. The award winner has coordinated bike rides, hikes, painting activities and put together Holiday Resource Bags for over 1,500 families during the COVID-19  pandemic in 2020. Congratulations to Alexis John, the 2021 National PAL
Inspirational Volunteer of the Year.
 

 

 

ALUMNI OF THE YEAR: My’Asia Mills

My’Asia Mills of the Atlantic City, NJ Police Athletic League is the National PAL 2021 Alumni of the Year. Attended Atlantic City High School, Ran Track and Field, and Cross Country for 4 yrs. She attended Coppin State University and graduated class of 2021 with Magna Cum Laude. After receiving a full scholarship in 2019 for ROTC, she was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2021 as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the branch pick of Military Intelligence. As a peer mentor for the psychology department, My’Asia also did an internship at a psychological rehabilitation services center working with kids. However, a great amount of her time was devoted towards spending most of her free time volunteering at the Atlantic City PAL for the holidays and special events, such as for their PAL Christmas Party, Thanksgiving Dinner, Summer Camp, and most of their field trips. Fun facts about My’Asia are that she has a twin sister and has a little brother and sister who are twins as well.