Westfield Magazine June 2023

DETERMINATION OF STEEL

THE GUERRERO FAMILY PURSUES THE AMERICAN DREAM IN WESTFIELD

The American dream. It has so many meanings, and people will perceive it differently.

For the Guerrero family, the American dream was freedom and independence. It was having a life different than the one they had always known.

Originally from a small town in the countryside of Mexico, Augusto Guerrero grew up with very little. His family eventually moved to Mexico City, and as the oldest of 12 children, he had to start supporting his family at a very young age. Through these hurdles, he created a strong work ethic for himself. He consistently worked, while dreaming of greater opportunities.

Augusto met the love of his life at only 17 years old and married at 20. He and his wife,

Lulu Flores-Guerrero, had four kids, Cesar, Ricardo, Salvador and Ana Karen.

“We compare our dad to the machine of the family,” says the Guerreros’ oldest son, Cesar.

“And our mom is the heart of the family,” Ana adds.

The two are a perfect match. As a family living in Mexico City, there were difficulties and hardships to overcome. Cesar and Ana say their parents were determined to give the family the best life possible. Augusto went out and pursued a business venture that unfortunately ended up not working out. While figuring out the next steps, Lulu found a business opportunity of her own and opened a grocery store.

A few years passed and there were bumps in

the road. They sold the grocery store, and Augusto tried a couple of other businesses that ultimately were not successful. The couple went through hardships, having money and then putting everything on the line to try and figure out something that would work. No idea was taking root. Eventually the Guerreros separated for a couple of years, and Ana and Cesar describe this as a very difficult time in their teen years.

In the span of three years, things started to look up for the Guerrero family. Augusto and Lulu rekindled their relationship, and the family was united again. However, the pair knew things had to be different this time around.

Augusto was tired of working in Mexico City as cheap labor. He had heard that the U.S. had opportunities that were never

Writer / Alli Donovan Photographer / Whitney Moore

going to be possible for him and his family in Mexico City. So, in 1999, Augusto traveled alone to the U.S. in search of the American dream.

He made it Westfield, and has loved it.

“Within the first month of him being in America, my dad called me up and said, ‘Cesar, you have to come see this place. It’s unbelievable,’” Cesar says. “He said everything is so calm, there’s no crime, and the work and the pay is incomparable to Mexico.”

Months later, Augusto’s family joined him in Westfield in 1999.

“It took a lot of guts for him to make a huge move like that,” Cesar says.

“He and our mom just wanted to give us a better life,” Ana adds.

The Guerrero family has continued to grow

and thrive here in Indiana. They have found expertise in the fabrication and welding industry. They worked in Westfield for 10 years and pursued the ultimate dream - owning and operating their own family business.

G&G Fabrication & Welding was established in April 2020. Augusto and Cesar founded the business, and Ana works as their chief administrative officer. They offer services in custom metal fabrication, trailer repair, trailer additions, cutting, drilling, punching and welding.

“Westfield has been a blessing to us,” Cesar says. “We’re proud to be a Latino family here in Westfield, and we just love it here.”

For more information on the Guerreros and G&G Fabrication & Welding, visit ggfabweld.com, or follow them on Facebook.

KIDS’ CAUSE

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SIGN UNVEILING RECOGNIZES DONOR GENEROSITY

The Tom & Soni Sheehan Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville (BGCN) is planning today so they’re able to guide children well into the bright future of the Noblesville community. Through the Great Futures Fund, the community can help Noblesville youths get on the right path in life and stay there. Most recently, BGCN kicked off an endowment campaign in 2019 to ensure financial success for years to come.

Hamilton County is expected to add 218,000 residents by 2050, according to the Indiana Business Research Center. Among the

county’s nine cities and towns, Noblesville is projected to see some of the greatest population increases.

Over the next few decades and beyond, the need for a strong Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville will grow as more and more families call Noblesville home. Today’s donors who support the Great Futures Fund will help make sure community children and teens have an affordable place to learn and develop as individuals, through after-school and summer enrichment programs.

Currently, the Great Futures Fund has topped the $1 million mark with an additional $1.11 million in pledges. The campaign has a goal of achieving $3 million before tapping into any disbursement of funds.

The campaign, which was unfortunately put on the back-burner during the pandemic, has ramped back up in the last two years. Recognizing donors for their generosity is important to the club’s leadership, and that’s exactly what the signage recognition ceremony did on May 11.

Writer & Photographer / Natalie Platt

The signage, to recognize Heritage Club members and endowment campaign donors, has a prime location right outside the main entrance to the BGCN facility. Every day, those who visit the building will walk directly past the three large signs that showcase campaign donors’ support.

Tom and Soni Sheehan have committed the largest endowment gift to date, a $1 million pledge. The Sheehans also made a $2 million pledge to the club in 2016 for the Build & Grow capital campaign for the current facility, which included naming rights.

“Giving our time and treasure has been a source of fulfillment for our family for a long time, and a way to honor our son Tim’s memory, whom we lost when he was 12,” Tom Sheehan says. “When you give generously to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville through the Great Futures Fund, you make a real difference in shaping lives and the place we all call home.”

Tom and Soni Sheehan have been supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville for decades. Tom founded Carmel Financial Corporation in 1967, and Soni is a former Club Volunteer of the Year and current volunteer.

“Our youth are this community’s future - our future leaders, neighbors and workforce,” Sheehan says. “All these years, our giving has always been about these kids. Keeping kids off the street and in a safe, loving environment builds character and helps them become the people they dream of becoming.”

“I have served in several roles as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club, but one of the most important to me was establishing the Great Futures Fund,” says Board Member Daryl Petry. “The Great Futures fund is like an endowment fund, which will help the club weather the storm when

unbudgeted expenses such as a roof leak or air conditioner repair suddenly pops up. It is my belief that the club needs a fund like this to be prepared for those unexpected moments that come along, so operations can continue seamlessly without a loss of the services we provide for the kids in our area - because this is all about the kids.”

Petry is a past BGCN board president, endowment committee chair, and owner of Petry Wealth Management.

“My twin sons participated in club sports when they were growing up and two of my grandsons were members,” says Luke Kenley, former board member, and former Indiana State senator (District 20) and Noblesville City Court judge. “Every kid who wants or needs the club should be able to go. The Great Futures Fund helps ensure operations continue for all our club kids.”

For more info, visit bgcni.org.

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GROUND-BREAKING ENDEAVOR

HUSBAND-AND-WIFE TEAM ENJOYING LOCAL SUPPORT FOR PROVIDENCE HOME + GARDEN

It was just over a year ago that Christy and Joel Kempson broke ground on Providence Home + Garden. The new Noblesville home and garden store, along with their coffee shop, is now completed. The atmosphere feels more like being in someone’s home than a home and garden center, with a beautiful stone fireplace and rustic chandeliers hung throughout the large, vaulted space. You’ll find unique, curated home and garden decor items, from candles to holiday decor to pillows and plants to, of course, coffee, and everything in between.

The Kempsons have always loved supporting local businesses and being in the community with others, which made the decision to pursue their new passion exciting. Christy was a registered nurse for eight years and stayed home with their children for several years after that, when she started staging and decorating friends’ homes. After their youngest child went to kindergarten, it seemed like the ideal time to start putting a plan in motion to turn her ideas into a full-time career with her husband.

“This idea originated back in 2019 when my husband and I started talking about what it would look like to open a home and garden store, because he already had the landscape business and we had the property already,” Christy Kempson says. The husband-and-

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photographer / Sarah Browning

Christy Kempson

Sam Mtshali

wife duo has owned the land the new business is on - around 10 acres - since 2016.

“My brother and his wife own a home decor shop in northern Indiana and they were inspiring to us as well,” Kempson says. “We actually live in Carmel but our wedding was in Noblesville, so there is a lot of nostalgia here for us.”

Along with a sentimental meaning, the idea and location just made sense for the Kempsons. “We wanted to marry our two passions of landscape and nature with home design, and build space to share with the community,” Kempson says. Building began on April 11, 2022 - a process that included filling in an in-ground pool that was on the land, demolishing an old garage, as well as decking and framing to prepare for the new addition, which is connected to an existing farmhouse.

The most challenging aspect for Kempson, so far, is making decisions on something she’s never done before. Her main goal is to always make Providence Home + Garden a welcoming space that’s easy to navigate, and shopper-friendly to keep customers returning. “The community is incredibly supportive and excited for us to open,” she says. “Everyone has been so gracious and understanding during the entire process, which has been an incredible test of patience and faith.”

The supportive community will soon see a wide, yet curated, selection of items including home decor, specialty gifts, candles from Illume and Paddywax, indoor plants and accessories, and unique items for children and babies. Providence Home + Garden will also carry local honey and maple syrup, a local goat farm’s apothecary line, bagged coffee from Noble Coffee & Tea Company, and more.

And, of course, the new store will have a garden center.

“The garden part of the store, at first, will mainly be indoor plants with pots and hanging baskets for the porch,” Kempson says. “Later this summer and early fall, we plan to do a grand opening with the outdoor space fully designed. Customers will be able to find perennials, annuals, common bushes and shrubs, garden plants and herbs, and a larger variety of hanging baskets.”

If you need a pick-me-up while shopping, the store will also have a coffee and pastry counter serving Noble Coffee & Tea Company products, loose-leaf teas from Tea’s Me Cafe, and pastries from local bakers. Providence Home + Garden isn’t set up to host events yet, but Kempson says the thought has crossed her mind and may be possible in the future.

Ultimately, the Kempsons are excited to bring a unique concept to the community - a place where everyone feels at home.

Providence Home + Garden is located at 3200 Sheridan Road in Noblesville. Visit them on Instagram @providencehg.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

NO-H2O IS CHANGING THE WAY AUTOMOBILES GET WASHED

No doubt about it - cars get dirty. Whatever the weather, grime and gunk find their way onto any vehicle’s shiny exterior and gleaming wheels. No-H2O offers an alternative solution to the customary chore of washing with water and soap.

In addition to cleaning outside surfaces, the innovative business also details the insides of typical sedans as well as extra-large SUVs and full-sized trucks. The Indianapolis-area location of No-H20 is in Carmel, but it also caters to its customers by offering convenient pop-up locations.

It’s hard to imagine cleaning an auto without streaming water from a hose. No-H2O uses handheld, low-impact spray bottles filled

with a polymer that emulsifies all the dirt and dust. Then, special cloths are used to remove the muddy grime. The whole process is scratch-free, and leaves behind a shiny and protective finish.

Typically, 32 gallons of water are used to wash an average car. The runoff down a driveway or from a carwash makes its way into the environment through storm sewers, and eventually into waterways such as nearby streams, lakes and rivers. That wastewater not only contains harmful chemicals from car-wash products, but also the oils, fuels and other chemicals that cling to the outside of vehicles. Wildlife such as fish, birds and other small animals are exposed to these compounds.

The company was started in 2007 by former professional race-car driver Emmet O’Brien and his father. The pair were not only interested in clean cars, but also concerned about conserving water. Initially located in Ireland, No-H2O started franchising in the United States, beginning with Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Today it boasts over 60 sites throughout the world including major cities such as Boston, Chicago, Knoxville, Houston and San Francisco.

“Emmet O’Brien realized he loved detailing his own vehicles,” says Owner-Operator Bennet Ackerman. “He thought finding a way to do it without using water was a great option. Eventually he met the people who formulated the chemicals for his company.

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Whitney Moore

I have had 11 other businesses during my career. I was always looking for something new and fun. I was ready to semi-retire when I came across No-H2O. I was blown away by this disruptive and unique venture.”

Besides the brick-and-mortar site, mobile locations are set up at places such as apartment complexes, business parks and even country clubs. By going to the company’s website, customers can see where sites are on any given day. In addition, No-H2O travels, so services can also be done at a private home or business. Whatever option is chosen, it’s best to book an appointment online to ensure a speedy turnaround time. Customers can also download the No-H2O app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

“We set up giant 10’x20’ canopy tents,” Ackerman says. “The applications are endless,

from auto dealerships to business owners who wish to give employees a weekly perk. It’s such a high-quality product that it can’t scratch the paint, or do damage to cars and trucks with decals or wraparounds. It’s perfect for fleets of vehicles with company logos and advertising on their sides. We opened in February and already we have over 30 accounts.”

“There is more than 160 years of collective detailing experience on our team,” Ackerman adds. “One person who has 27 years’ experience told me he couldn’t believe how well our system works. Another worked on a vehicle that had more dog hair in it that he had ever seen in his 40 years of experience. When the owner came to pick it up, he thought the floor mats had been replaced and were new, but they were the original ones.”

No-H2O has a full range of exterior and interior services, labeled General, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. A General Premium Exterior Hand Wash and Polish,

which includes the wheels, takes 30 minutes and is $49. In the middle of the menu of options is a Silver Wash and Detail for $199. The highest level is Platinum at $409. This service takes three hours and 30 minutes, and makes every inch of a vehicle, inside and out, sparkle, including the engine. Subscription packages and gift cards are also available.

“We have done roadsters, high-end sports cars, a 25-year-old pickup truck, plus a giant, 36-person passenger bus,” Ackerman says. “It’s a great service for Sprinters with wheelchair lifts and other vehicles equipped with handicapped modifications. It’s for anyone who loves a clean car. The proof of the concept is how well it works. People can’t believe it. It’s such a fun company to own.”

No-H2O is located at 1015 3rd Avenue Southwest in Carmel. Appointments can be booked from the No-H2O mobile app, and for more information and to book online, visit noh2o.com. Also call 317-804-4131.

The History of Pearls

Historically, pearls have been revered for their exquisite beauty and rarity. It’s said that the ancient Persians were among the first to recognize their allure, as evidenced by the discovery of a princess’s sarcophagus from 520 BC containing the oldest known pearl jewelry. This was during the height of pearl culture in the Middle East and Asia, when pearls were given as gifts to kings, queens, and other royalty.

The pearl has been the subject of countless origin myths in cultures spanning the globe. Among the Greeks, it was said that the goddess of love, Aphrodite, wept tears of pearls. The Arabs believed that pearls were the result of the tears of the gods, fallen into the ocean and making their way into the oysters. The Romans greatly revered pearls, and decreed that only men and women of high birth could wear them.

During the height of the British Empire, pearls were reserved exclusively for royalty and nobility, and their rarity made them unattainable for most people. The passion for pearls led to expeditions to far-flung locations like French Polynesia, Australia, and the Mexican Gulf.

With so many oysters harvested for their pearls, the once-abundant creatures were nearly brought to extinction. That was until Mikimoto Kōkichi revolutionized the Pearl industry in 1888 with the process of culturing (farming) Pearls.

He discovered that by seeding oysters with small amounts of Mother of Pearl (or Nacre), it was possible to create perfect hemispherical Pearls. On July 11th, 1893, he farmed his first cultured Pearls and founded the Mikimoto Pearl Oyster Farm in Japan with his wife Ume.

The Difference between Akoya and Freshwater Pearls

Akoya pearls and cultured pearls are two of the most popular types of pearls used in jewelry. The fascinating history of pearl culture traces its roots back to the

magnificent Akoya pearls, often hailed as the epitome of refined elegance. Grown in saltwater oysters, Akoya pearls have long been lauded for their unrivaled beauty and timeless appeal.

Meanwhile, their freshwater counterparts, which hail from mussels nestled in rivers and lakes, offer a more diverse array of shapes and colors, but are no less exquisite. It’s a tale of two treasures, each with its own unique charm and allure.

The Akoya Pearl

The Akoya oyster (Pinctada fucata martensii) produces a saltwater cultured pearl known as the Akoya pearl. Akoyas are usually creamy white in color and range in size from 2-10mm. They have a high luster, meaning they reflect light better than freshwater pearls.

Check the size and shape—Akoya pearls are smaller and rounder than freshwater pearls, which tend to be larger and slightly irregular.

The Akoya pearl has a longer cultured history than other types of pearls, making information on them abundant. With so much choice and variety, the Akoya pearl makes an ideal choice for those looking for rare jewelry or heirloom pieces.

The Pearl: A Symbol of Good Luck and Protection

Pearls have been associated with luck and protection throughout history. In many cultures, pearls are believed to bring serenity and wisdom, while also providing physical protection in the form of a talisman or amulet. They are said to be able to absorb negative energy and can even help ward off evil spirits.

It’s clear that pearls have many meanings and connotations, from good luck to protection. Whether you opt for a classic Akoya pearl or something more unique and unusual, your piece of pearl jewelry will be sure to bring you good fortune.

SOMETHING SPLENDID

says the idea of guests sitting on the patio and hearing concerts was a bonus. The Wine Bar also offers live music on Thursdays.

What’s more fun on a summer afternoon or evening than meeting a friend or a date for a glass of wine and some live music? Something Splendid Gift Shop opened in downtown Westfield in November. Erynn and Elyse Petruzzi, and their best friend, Allison Pirtle, opened the custom-curated gift box and unique-gift business to celebrate life’s milestone moments. They recently added the Wine Bar to the space.

“Our family has always been obsessed with celebrating everything, even a random Monday,” Erynn says. “So we opened the business, and when we found out a beer and wine liquor license was available, we thought it would be a perfect tie-in with the gift shop.”

The Wine Bar offers wine by the glass or bottle, beer, and small bites for guests to nosh on while enjoying time together. Guests can choose from over 70 different makes of carefully curated wine to purchase as gifts or to take home. The trio created the small-bites menu to complement their wine, including charcuterie, flatbreads, a quiche, popcorn, dips, macarons and chocolate bonbons.

“We work very hard with our wine vendor to source unique wines from all over the world,” Elyse says. “Most of the brands we carry will be new experiences for people, which we worked hard to achieve. This plays off our gift shop, where we offer unique gifts.”

One thing that attracted the sisters to the house at 217 Mill Street was the patio area and the proximity to Grand Junction Plaza. Erynn

The Wine Bar is available to host private events, with guests able to rent a portion or the whole space. The front patio seats 20 to 25, the inside Wine Bar seats 10 to 35, and the unique private backyard is home to our wine garden which has ample seating and several fire pits to enjoy with friends and family. The entire building holds up to 80 guests. Guests can customize private events to include unlimited mimosas, a balloon decorator creating those Instagram-worthy photos, and even a bridal and bar-food menu.

Elyse says the interior vibe and decor match the entire theme of the gift-giving business. She describes it as playful and colorful, with a feel reminiscent of a floral garden party. She says making the space feel celebratory, but with a comfortable feel for a casual drink, was essential. Something Splendid Wine Bar is a stand-alone, meaning guests don’t have to come to the Gift Shop. They can come in just for the Wine Bar itself.

“We welcome everyone to come in just for a drink,” Erynn says. “It’s such a great place to meet a friend, hang out, listen to live music or even for a date. We love to celebrate big, momentous events, but also think we should celebrate every day with each other.”

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Whitney Moore

Writer / Natalie Platt

Photographer / Whitney Moore

When Dr. Erik Angelotti wasn’t satisfied with the corporate chain pharmacies he worked in during pharmacy school and for a few years after graduation, he knew there had to be something out there that allowed him to use his talent to better serve people. Also, his wife, Dr. Lindsey Angelotti, had worked in an independent pharmacy during her postgraduate residency training and knew the standard of care was unmatched.

So the couple, both of whom got into the pharmacy profession to take care of other people, decided that the best way to do that was to run their own pharmacy, free from corporate restraint that often inhibits quality patient care.

So, Ella Community Pharmacy was created.

Ella Community Pharmacy provides a personalized, patient-focused pharmacy experience that people will likely not find anywhere else. The pharmacy offers standard prescription filling and basic medication compounding - it is a full-service pharmacy that can provide the same services as a major chain but with the perks of personalized service and a team that’s willing to go the extra mile. The pharmacy accepts most major insurance and offers its own discount plan for those looking for cost-saving options.

Not only that, but Ella Community Pharmacy also has compliance packaging, meaning they offer medication and supplement packaging. Each pouch is labeled with the medications or supplements, day, date and time to be taken. It is simple and convenient to keep track of your medication or daily supplements.

“WE THINK IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR PHARMACIST. AFTER ALL, THEY ARE A SIGNIFICANT PART OF YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.”

— DR. ANGELOTTI

Another key service the pharmacy offers includes medical equipment, like mobility and safety equipment as well as braces and supports.

Now, as the Westfield pharmacy location has relocated from 103 South Union Street to 211 Jersey Street, they’ll work on an expansion of some of their current offerings while adding others. Ella Community Pharmacy is also the first business to relocate due to the State Road 32 expansion and remain in the Westfield community.

“It’s bittersweet,” says Dr. Erik Angelotti, owner of Ella Community Pharmacy. “We weren’t necessarily thrilled to move. Moving a pharmacy is certainly not an easy task, and we also had to leave the location where this pharmacy originated in 1981, so there’s a bit of history that’s being left behind. However, we’re excited to have a fresh, new space to work in that better suits our needs.”

With the move, the pharmacy will be

relaunching its Durable Medical Equipment sale and rental services to feature online shopping capability and white-glove delivery service. They are also working on insurance billing opportunities, and expanding their product offerings to include products such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and supplies.

“We currently are working on our new medical equipment showroom as well as our online catalog,” Dr. Angelotti says. “We’re excited to be able to expand these services in the near future with the ability to bill insurance for medical equipment, beginning with products such as CPAP machines and supplies.”

With the relocation, Ella Community Pharmacy customers will take notice of one new service, ear piercing, and one Westfield mainstay, a wine selection. You can become a member of the Wine Club for $40 a month and receive two unique wines hand-selected by Dr. Angelotti, allowing customers to try new flavors and grapes never experienced. There is even an Instagram account (@WineatthePharm) to follow for reviews from the Ella team.

“As business owners, we’re always looking for ways to diversify our business and differentiate from our competitors,” Dr. Angelotti says. “Many of our services are based on areas of interest of our team, or needs that we’ve identified in the community.”

When the owners aren’t embracing their wine passion, they’re quick to admit it’s nice to have their partner in the same boat to help navigate the highs and lows of business ownership. Dr. Lindsey Angelotti runs the Sheridan Ella Community Pharmacy location.

“We do have one additional family member on our team,” Dr. Angelotti says. “Lindsey’s sister, Kelly, is our director of marketing and communication. Our daughter joins us for visits from time to time.”

Just as family is a significant part of Ella

Community Pharmacy’s success, so is knowing your pharmacist.

“We think it’s so important to know your pharmacist,” Dr. Angelotti says. “After all, they are a significant part of your health care team. We take pride in knowing our patients, and find it more fulfilling as a profession to have more personal relationships with the individuals and families that have chosen to help support

us - who also believe that a better health care experience can be provided by an independent pharmacy.”

You can visit Ella Community Pharmacy at either location: Westfield (211 Jersey Street) or Sheridan (508 East 10th Street). You can also learn more about the pharmacy, transfer your prescriptions and join their Wine Club at ellapharmacy.com.

David Young, a Westfield student, is looking forward to his duties to celebrate Hamilton County’s 200th anniversary.

“I attend Westfield High School as a current junior and rising senior, and I am one of the 11 students serving as a bicentennial ambassador for Hamilton County’s 200th Anniversary,” Young says. “The Bicentennial program allows like-minded high school students interested in learning about the history of Hamilton County and local community development to engage in a plethora of different learning opportunities to expand their knowledge of their community.”

As ambassadors, their goal is to share their love for history with others in their community.

“With our participation each city will host a community discussion on a topic relative to that specific area,” Young says. “Throughout the month of June, the Hamilton County Bicentennial program will host multiple signature events in Westfield, ranging from a pancake breakfast and concert on June 2 at Grand Junction Plaza to activities based on

DAVID YOUNG STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Westfield’s Barker Cabin with the Westfield Historical Society.”

Young has enjoyed talking to a wide variety of people about the bicentennial.

“My key responsibility as an ambassador is to continue my learning, and have informed conversations with my peers about topics of history and politics, and how they currently affect us as community members,” Young says. “Being a part of this program has been an honor and I hope to continue my learning further.”

In order to become a Hamilton County Bicentennial ambassador, Young submitted an application answering questions such as, “What makes one a leader?” and “What is the primary role of elected officials?”

“The ambassadorship has been extremely fun so far,” Young says. “After being accepted into the program, the ambassadors were invited to take a tour across Hamilton County and learn about the history of different communities. The tour was extremely interactive, and learning from historians and authors such as David Heighway and Brenda Myers was highly engaging. Our facilitator,

Jessica Layman, has made the program extremely fun and it has been a blast so far. I am especially looking forward to the events being held in Westfield in June.”

Young is also involved in his schools’ Black Student Union where he currently serves as co-president with Jason Lottie, a senior.

“Leading the Black Student Union has been milestone of my high school career,” he says. “I’ve been able to empower black students, create a safe space for marginalized students, and more importantly, create bonds and friendships with different people throughout the club,” Young says. “As co-president I have been responsible for meeting with the high school administration to discuss common concerns of marginalized students, offer learning and field trip opportunities for club members, and even create a scholarship fund for our graduating students.”

Young was also selected this year to be one of Westfield High School’s Hoosier Boys State delegates.

“This program focuses on teaching young men about not only the importance of government, but also the role of government too,” Young

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

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says. “We’ll be able to learn about the election process through running for different government positions, with the highest being the Hoosiers Boys State governor program. I’ll be attending that program over the summer.”

Young has also been a part of his school’s Speech and Debate team, focusing on competing in Public Forum Debate and Congressional Debate.

“I’d previously done Public Forum Debate for most of my debater career, but this season I switched to Congressional Debate and ended my season as a national qualifier to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona,” Young says. “I was one of two students who won national qualification for Congressional Debate within our district. I’ve also had the honor to be a board member of the Westfield Education Foundation through the ACTS board.”