MIRACLE MOMENT®
“Dignity is not built on possessing honors, but on the awareness that you deserve them.” Aristotle
A MESSAGE from Founder/Executive Director, CYNTHIA BRIAN
Evidently, for the past year, the principal of my high school had been campaigning his club organizers to invite me to speak about the time when I was named The Outstanding Teenager of California, selected from a pool of over 10,000 young people with proven potential and promise of future leadership. My high school principal, Dr. Sam Tracas, had nominated me, and winning the honor was a shock and thrill to all of us. The award was presented in a grand ceremony by the former Governor of California and President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. WOW!
This past week, wearing my letter sweater, I joined Dr. Tracas to recall that historically significant time and the recognition that winning bestowed upon the school and the town. I was delighted to reconnect with Dr. Tracas, a legend in education, and a mentor to many. Together we spoke to the attendees about that important occasion and the positive effects that resulted.
Since I was a teen, my mission has been to inspire and uplift others. My goal is to shine a light on the stars that burn brightly within each individual so that she/he will realize her/his potential. We are not born equal. We are born something far better…we are unique, we are special, and we each have the ability and the responsibility to share the gifts that are distinctive to us.
Help each other to shine. Be kind. Be a mentor. Thank you, Dr. Tracas for believing in me. I pass the torch forward to elevate others. We are all outstanding. We are all deserving of honors.
Congratulations to everyone for being YOU!
PS: Come party with me and our Be the Star You Are!® volunteers and supporters at the Parade and Pear and Wine Festival on September 28th as we celebrate our 25th anniversary of serving the world and being honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.
Be aware. Be the spark. Shine brightly! You are the STAR!
Cynthia Brian
Founder/Executive Director
Be the Star You Are!®
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556
https://www.BetheStarYouAre.org
DONATE: https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1504
PARTY TIME!
Parade, pears, and party at the park! CELEBRATE OUR 25th ANNIVERSARY at the PEAR and WINE FESTIVAL on Saturday, September 28th. The town of Moraga is turning 50. Be the Star You Are!® is celebrating 25 years of volunteer service to the world as well as being honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year.
Our parade and party chairperson, Ella has been working to make the event fantastic and fun. BTSYA volunteers will be ready to march at 9:30 with the parade leaving from the Serbian church on School Street at 10 am.
At 11 am our two festival chairpersons, Keerthi and Sharanya, welcome the public to our Be the Star You Are!® booth where activities for kids including our popular Plant the Seeds of Literacy project, a reading circle, book giveaways, book signings, and more, will be offered. Expect lots of freebies, too.
At 1 pm, come cheer for our volunteers who will be recognized on the stage for their dedication to BTSYA and for winning the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year award.
At 2 pm. the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and Board members will perform a ribbon cutting at the BTSYA booth to celebrate our 25th anniversary.
The party follows with delectable treats from Ella and Julia.
Thank you to our sponsors, The Lamorinda Weekly, MB Jessee Painting, and StarStyle® Productions, LLC.
Thousands of people enjoy the Pear and Wine Festival featuring food, wine, beer, music, crafts, pear pies, and tons of activities for kids. It’s going to be a super-fun event, so we hope to see you there.
The Moraga Commons Park
1425 St Marys Rd,
Moraga, CA 94556
The event is FREE and the festival is fabulous! Let’s party!
https://www.bethestaryouare.org/events-1/2024-pear-and-wine-festival
Tune into Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio on Sunday, September 22 when our teens talk about the plans for the parade, party, and festival. Chairpersons, Keerthi and Sharanya, videographer, Sean, parade and party planner, Ella, and treats from Julia.
https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2014/express-yourself
PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDS
We are proud to announce that Be the Star You Are!® 501c3 is a certified organization for ‘The President’s Volunteer Service Award’. The President’s Volunteer ServiceAward is an opportunity to honor the most outstanding volunteers and recognize the impact they make in our world.
BTSYA is approved to recognize its volunteers who meet the requirements in terms of volunteer service hours and apply for the award.
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
Detailed requirements can be found here: https://presidentialserviceawards.gov/eligibility#volunteers
For more information on how to apply, contact our PVSA Certification Coordinator, Eraniyan Gunaseelan by email: eraniyan@gmail.com
BOOKS ARE THE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
Proceeds from the sale of our books benefit Be the Star You Are!® outreach programs. Volunteer videographer, Sean, created the video.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/E8vZsv5bl_g?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0
All proceeds benefit Be the Star You Are!® charity. Buy autographed, first-edition signature books today and receive extra freebies at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store
Looking for books for the family? Read the reviews by teens for teens at our Be the Star You Are!® Creative Community.
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