Top Teens of America is a national organization for teens, 13 to 17 years old. Top Teens of America is under the auspices of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. The national program’s focus for the teens include Senior Citizens, Status of Women, Community Beautification, Community Partnership, March of Dimes, Sickle Cell, National Council of Negro Women and United Negro College Fund.
The Ladera Height Teens had a surprise visitor at their October meeting. A former Top Teen contacted his former Top Teens Mentor to get permission to visit the group. Lady Karlisa Carter is the Teens’ advisor, she was excited to have a former Teen visit the group.
When Jevin Smith and his family arrived, several of the Teens recognized him as the “Dancing Father” who picks up his children every day. When he sees his children headed towards the car he jumps out and starts dancing, it is entertainment for the students that see his unique way to greet his children.
Jevin is greeted by the excited Teens and received a warm welcome from Teens and Top Ladies that were present. He met the Teens and immediately started tell his Top Teens story.
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“The first time that I went to a Top Teens meeting, I didn’t know what to expect and truthfully, I didn’t want to go to that meeting, but my mother made me go. I had on jeans and a t-shirt, and my mother said, ‘Boy, go change your clothes you can’t go looking like that; you never know who might be there.’
“Reluctantly, I put on my suit, a white shirt, and a tie. When I entered the room, a Teen welcomed me and I responded, ‘Hey man, what’s happening.’ He stared at me as if to say, ‘What is wrong with this guy.’
“The Teens were forming committees and he invited me to join the Beautification Committee, which I truly enjoyed. Lady Merelean Wilson was assigned to be my Top Lady mentor, I was one of the lucky one to have her as my mentor.
“During the time that I was a Top Teen, we planted some of those pine trees that you see on MLK Jr. Blvd. This was a beautification project sponsored by a volunteer group known as The Tree People.
“We participated in the March of Dime, Cancer Society, St. Jude and Sickle Cell Walk-a-Thons, visited the senior citizens in the facility across the street from the meeting place. Some of us joined the NAACP and were in the NAACP Youth Council. Lady Merelean Wilson was the youth council advisor. We attended the Black College Fair where we met graduates of Black
colleges. Some of the Teens went on Black College Tours to learn more about Black Colleges.
“There is so much more to tell but, I just want you to be sure to have good attendance records and to be committed to all of the programs and projects. When you volunteer in community projects you accumulate volunteer hours, which look good on your college application and even on your future job application. The Literacy Program was an asset to my success during my middle school, high school and college preparatory stages for me in the future,” said Jevin.
“So, do the best that you can with what you have, always strive for more. The one thing that I will always remember that Lady Wilson preached to me; ‘If better is possible, good is not good enough.’
“Look, I really enjoyed my visit with you and I want you to keep climbing until you reach the top of the ladder of success.”
Another former Top Teen, Keron Crawford, and his wife, accompanied their children, Amaya and Rylan, to their official first official meeting as Ladera Heights Top Teens.
After hearing Jevin’s talk to the Teens, Lady Michelle Grundy, the Teens assistant advisor, said, “Jevin was very good, the Teens need this kind of participation. Jevin stated that he was initially shy when he was involved with the Teens over 20 years ago. His outlook was deejaying, but through his involvement with Top Teens and valuable support from his mentors, one being Lady Merelean Wilson, founder of the Ladera Heights Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., this was just the catapult he needed to jump into the exciting world of entertainment.
“He indicated that keys to success include education, active listening, effective communication, hard work and the desire to succeed. Watch what you post on social media platforms because your post represents your character. Jevin also credits Top Teens with instilling positive values like getting and giving back,” she noted.
Lady Nicole Dodd, president of the Ladera Heights Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., complimented Jevin for his continuous support of the Top Teens. Lady Brenda Dodd, chairperson of Ladera Teens Program and Projects, was also very impressed with Jevin and how attentive the Teens reacted to his comments.
Lady Adella North and Lady Merelean Wilson enjoyed Jevin and spending time with the Teens.
For more information regarding the Teens, e-mail [email protected]
