Table of contents

Greetings

Elder Prince Reed……………………….…...….……….1

Missionary Laurie Reed……...…..……………..…....….2

Youth Spotlight Criteria………………….…..…..….…....….3

Brother Zachary Love……………………..…….…....….4

Brother Jeremiah Sanders………………...…………..….5

Sister Ashley Jenkins……………….………....…...….…6

Sister Alyssa Jackson……………...…..….…….…....….7

Sister JaLiyah Windham………...……….…………..…..8

Brother Darien Payton…...……………...…..……...........9

Sister Leah M. Booker……….………….….…..............10

Sister Jessica Kelly…………………………………..…11

First Jurisdiction Illinois Youth Department Leadership

Team…………………………………………............…12

Greetings………...Elder Prince Reed

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ,

We have arrived at a very special time of year when the State Youth

Department recognizes the accomplishments of notable achievement of

our youth via the Youth Spotlight. The media seems to only depict our

youth as thugs, hoodlums and underachievers.

I praise God that through this small endeavor we prove the devil to be

what he really is; a liar. These young people love God and have excelled

in one or more areas socially, athletically, academically, etc.

Our theme for the State Youth Department is “A Ready Generation”. We

recognize that many parents, pastors and community leaders have already

done the work of preparing them for service.

Our goal and practice is to create a platform to showcase their gifts and

abilities allow them to serve NOW!!!

Thank you for your support of our department and please stay tuned for,

greater is coming.

It is all about the Kingdom,

Elder Prince Reed

State YPWW President

Joel 2:28

“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

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Greetings……..Missionary Laurie Reed

Greetings! In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gives us

the victory.

It is an honor to present to you our 2015 Youth Spotlight. They are

demonstrating leadership and excellence as representatives of Christ in

their schools, communities and even in other parts of the world.

These young people, and many others like them, defy the myths and

stereotypes that depict them as a lost generation without vision, insight, or

integrity; creating the delusion that they are all violent, uneducated and

criminals. Over the past few years, our society as a whole have observed

an upsurge of negative incidents and activities that target our youth and

the Chicagoland area is no exception; for it is here that the record-level

shootings and killings have captured the attention of the U.S Attorney

General , the news media and filmmakers. However, in the midst of the

chaos and confusion, there are bright shining lights of hope that gives us to

know that it is in Christ that our young people are able to rise above the

fog and be that light that is so desperately needed in this dark and perverse

world.

God has a divine purpose for our Youth today and it is vitally important

that remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. “I will

praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your

works, and my soul knows very well. “Psalms 139:14

Grace and Peace,

Missionary Laurie Reed State YPWW Chairlady

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First Jurisdiction of Illinois YOUTH SPOTLIGHT CRITERIA

2015

The purpose of the First Jurisdiction - Illinois Youth Spotlight is to publically acknowledge and to showcase the gifts,

talents, achievements and accomplishments of the Youth of the First Jurisdiction of Illinois. Youth Spotlight is not a competition. It is designed to share the good news concerning our youth and to enlighten

members of this congregation of the good works which are being accomplished by our young people.

Our aim is to encourage our youth and to provide them with love, training, teaching, instruction and gratitude which

will help them as they take on the challenges of this world. Each District was asked to present the bio

of one such young person who has excelled in one or more of the following categories:

Honors to be considered for acknowledgment will be placed in the following categories: Academic Church Work – (Outreach/Community service/Missions, etc.)

Sports Fine Arts (to include dance, instrumental, acting, poetry, writings, etc.)

Entrepreneurship Public Speaking Outstanding Leadership Humanitarian Acts Honors/Awards/Scholarships

The selected youth are being presented to the Jurisdiction, tonight, during the AIM Convention on the Music and Youth Department night, June 17, 2015.

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U.E. Miller/L.T. Buchanan District 1st Adm. Asst. Supt Van W. Wells, District Superintendent

Missionary Ruby Bridges, District Missionary

Zachary Love is a 16-year-old attending Gary Comer College

Preparatory High School, in Chicago, Illinois. This fall he will be a

Sophomore. He is very active in athletics, a part of both the

Football and Baseball teams. Also at Gary Comer College Prep, he

is the National Spokesperson and Student Representative for

C.H.A.M.P.S. (CULTURALLY HELPING AND MAKING

POSITIVE SUCCESS). In 2015, he was privileged to speak at

Georgetown University in Washington

D.C. at a ceremony honoring the C.H.A.M.P.S. Organization. It was during this

ceremony that he had the opportunity to meet President Barack H. Obama and First

Lady Michelle Obama.

Zachary is a sought after public speaker; he travels across the city of Chicago

making radio appearances and giving speeches that inspire young people and adults

alike. He is a personal mentee of Dr. Cornel West. In 2015, Zach appeared on the

national telecast of Rev. Jessie Jackson's Operation Rainbow P.U.S.H. Coalition.

He has since been appointed to the Youth Coordination team of Operation Rainbow

P.U.S.H. He also serves as the Assistant Alderman of the 21st Ward of Chicago, IL,

under Alderman Howard D. Brookins Jr., and advocates for the needs of Chicago

citizens, specifically the youth.

Zachary Love has been a life-long member of Pickens Memorial Temple

C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of his Pastor, Superintendent 1st Adm. Asst. Van

W. Wells. He teaches the young men's Sunday School class and is an integral part

of his local youth department. Zachary is saved, sanctified, and actively seeking the

Baptism of the Holy Ghost. When called upon, he preaches and teaches the Word of

God without compromise. He is currently striving and making measurable steps

toward his long- term goal of running for Governor of the state of Illinois in the

year 2038.

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Bishop I.C. Clemmons District Adm. Asst. Supt. Robert East, District Superintendent

Missionary Georgia Brown, District Missionary

Jeremiah Sanders is a member of the Rehoboth Ministries Church of God

In Christ.

He attends Gary Comer College Prep.

He is graduating with a 3.67 GPA and he is in the top 25% of his class.

He is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Jeremiah will be attending The University of Illinois @ Urbana-

Champaign.

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Bishop Charles H. Mason District Supt. John A. Taylor, Jr, District Superintendent

Missionary Elizabeth Kindred, District Missionary

Sister Ashley Jenkins started playing piano and

clarinet in the 3rd grade and continued doing so until

the 8th grade. In the 6th grade, she was on both track

and basketball teams and resumed these positions in

8th grade.

Sis. Ashley was accepted into Lincoln Park High School as a vocal music

major and after her freshman year, she was able to skip choirs and get into

a choir that challenged her abilities. In the 10th grade, Ashley moved up in

choirs once again to the highest choir called "Chamber Singers" in which

only few talented individuals are accepted!

Since the beginning of her high school career, Ashley have taken part in

the schools' gospel choir. During her Senior year, Ashley was the leader

and President of the H.S. Gospel Choir. From 2013-2015, Sis. Ashley

studied the German language and traveled to Austria (Salzburg & Vienna),

Germany (Frankfurt & Munich), and Czech Republic (Prague) for 10 days

in the spring of 2014 as a ‘German 1 speaker’.

Sis. Ashley Jenkins have taken a total of three AP classes and maintained

a GPA of 3.5 throughout high school. In the fall of 2015, Ashley will be

attending Trinity International University on scholarship as a Music

Education major for 4 years.

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Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr. District Adm. Asst. Supt John Brewer, District Superintendent

Missionary Maggie Gill, District Missionary

Alyssa Jackson – Member of Faith Temple COGIC (Bishop

Carlis Moody Sr.)

Alyssa recently graduated from Westlake Christian

Academy high school. She has been active in the youth

choir, usher board and youth department. Some of her

accomplishments include the following:

She has received a 19,000 scholarship per year to play in Trinity

International University band and choir

Received a perfect score at solo and ensemble this year for being in a

clarinet quintet

Given the school spirit award for being involved in extracurricular

activities and advertising her school

Lead two bible studies at school, one for junior high girls and one for

high school girls and taught a crash course on the Old Testament.

Section leader for the altos in choir this year

went to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip for a week

Received the National Honors Choir Award this year

Placed in the Young Women of Excellence competition

Also, has been an inspirational speaker in the jurisdiction, district and

local church for the youth department.

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Bishop Shephard Little District Adm. Asst. Supt Jeffrey Hodges, District Superintendent

Missionary Caberia Showers, District Missionary

My name is JaLiyah Windham. I am currently a seventeen year

old high school graduate from Proviso Mathematics and Science

Academy. I will be studying Music Education at Millikin

University in the fall of 2015. I have always enjoyed engaging in

extracurricular activities. Majority of my time is spent in school,

where I serve as a member of the Gospel

Choir, Class of 2015 club, and Student Council. As a vital member of the Class of 2015

club, I helped to coordinate different fundraisers and our senior prom. Being a member of

Student Council included a lot of planning for school events such as homecoming, pep

rally, fashion show and other opportunities for me to serve my community. I was the

Freshmen representative during my freshman year and the Sophomore Representative

during my sophomore year in high school. I was also the Events Committee Head during

my junior year. The Student Council would create several events to assist different

organizations and people in our community. In between staying at school late or having

to meet a commitment somewhere else, I am a secondary caretaker for my grandmother

who had a severe stroke which left her physically impaired. Although this could be very

time consuming and required me to mature quicker than most, my love for my family

empowered me to continue. Despite these various responsibilities, I still had a very social

life. School is not the only place where I am involved in extracurricular activities. I have

dedicated my life to my passion which is music. I have been singing since the age of

three years and have been involved with music ever since then. My church, King of

Glory Tabernacle COGIC where the pastor is Supt. Jeffrey D. Hodges, is what first

introduced me to the world of music. I began singing at church with the Children's church

choir, then to the youth choir, and lastly the praise team. When I was ten years old, I

joined the Soul Children of Chicago, a professional choir. I have traveled all over the

world with the Soul Children of Chicago. They gave me so many opportunities which

included: traveling to Israel to sing for the Zimriya Festival, singing at the NATO

Summit, singing for the First Lady of the United States at the 2013 Inauguration,

traveling to Oslo, Norway to sing for the Soul Children Festival, and many other events.

This was the beginning of a long life full of music. My life dream is to strongly impact

the world through music. I plan on majoring in music education to later become a

certified music teacher. I wish to eventually travel to teach music in other countries. It is

my endeavor to begin my own mentorship program for young women to help steer the

youth of tomorrow in a positive direction. I also want to establish a small music school to

create a clear path for success for the next rising star.

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J.B. Wheeler District Supt. David Collum,, District Superintendent

Missionary Vivian Vaughan, District Missionary

Darien Payton was born on the south side of Chicago in a

primarily single-parent family. As a young child, he was

known for “having an answer to everything”. As he grew

up, he fostered that quality through debate, for which he

has won several awards. Over time Darien grew a strong

interest in History and Social Studies, and was often

challenged by teachers who encouraged him to reject

mediocrity.

After his 8th grade year, Darien decided to embark upon a new challenge:

going to the Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts). ChiArts is the

only public performing arts high school in the city of Chicago. Darien was

accepted into the school’s music program with a study in classical piano.

At ChiArts, he has been mentored by several teachers, both academic and

music, who always support him in his endeavors. As a result of their

mentoring, he scored a 26 on his ACT in 2014.

Once again stepping back into his role of advocacy, Darien has become a

prominent student leader and great advisor to administrators. He is

currently participating in several of his school’s clubs including the

Steering Committee, Prom Committee, and Ambassadors’ Club.

Away from school, Darien is an active member in the local and state

church where he serves as a musician. He has also volunteered with

several community organizations including Teamwork Englewood and the

Urban Male Network. Darien credits his success first to the guidance and

strength of God, support of his family, friends, and his special mentor and

Grandfather Bishop Willard Payton.

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J.B. Wheeler District Supt. David Collum, District Superintendent

Missionary Vivian Vaughan, District Missionary

Leah M. Booker is the oldest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Eric

Booker and is an active member of the Tabernacle of God

Church of God in Christ, where Bishop Ocie Booker is the

founder and pastor. She is saved and is an active member

of the choir, as well as the youth department. Most

recently, she accepted the task to serve as the

administrative assistant for the AIM Department of the

Johnnie B. Wheeler Memorial District. She finds great

pleasure in serving the church on the local, district and state

level.

Leah is a junior at Hillcrest High School, where she maintains a 4.3 grade

point average. She is member of the State-qualifying school pom-pom

team. Her activities also include membership with the concert choir of

Hillcrest High School, where they received excellent scores during the

Illinois High School Association’s 2015 organizationals. Her senior

courses include advanced placement classes, as well as, college-level

courses. On this year she was also accepted into the Professional Young

Women’s Network where she receives mentorship from professional

women- some who work within the corporate field and others who are

successful entrepreneurs. She has been selected to be a part of the Family

Career and Community

Leaders (FCCLA) which is a national Career and Technical Student

Organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and

career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer

Sciences education. Upon graduating, she intends to major in psychology

with a minor in music.

She is presently employed as a swim instructor where she provides swim

lessons and also aqua aerobics classes.

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D. A. Reed, Sr. District Supt. David A. Reed, District Superintendent

Missionary Anastasia Richardson, District Missionary

Jessica Kelly age 16. October 15, 1998 Local Church is Emmanuel C.O.G.I.C. where Pastor

Michael Richardson presides. At my local church I work the sound system, sing,

read the scripture or whatever the Lord leads me to do.

District is D.A. Reed where Superintendent David A Reed presides.

When asked I take pictures for state and the district, also when asked I help Mother Parker sell books.

Accomplishments:

National Honor Society (only sophomore/junior to be inducted this year)

National English Honor Society Qualified for State in Track Made Principal Honor Roll

G.P.A is 4.38 Outstanding Achievements in Physics Honor

Dean Award for no detentions the whole school year 2013-2014 got awarded with National Mathematics Award

Ranked 3 out of 52 students at Seton Take advanced honors classes at school.

I was healed from asthma at age 9 when Mother Owens prayed over me and the holy spirt used her. I am saved and sanctified. I give all the honor and thanks to God for taking me this far in life I

know he has more for me in the future.

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Executive Staff Elder Prince Reed Missionary Laurie Reed

State Youth President State Youth Chairlady

Elder Thomas Bittings Lady Delois Wallace

State Youth Vice-President State Youth Asst. Chairlady

Sister Tywanna Gaston Sister Brandi Harvey

Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Chief Ministry Officer

Deaconess Althea Collins

Executive Secretary

District Leaders Elder Thomas Bittings, President Sister Chantelle Bittings, Chairlady

Bishop Ithiel Clemmons District – Supt. Robert East

Sister Joy Harris, President

Edward Booker Memorial District – Supt. Napoleon Harris

Missionary Gloria Ale’, President

Bishop J. W. Markham District – Supt. Torrance Markham

Elder Leonard Williams, Jr., President

Bishop L.H. Ford/St. L. Spates District – Supt. Leonard Spates Jr.

Elder Troy Johnson, President

Bishop Shephard Little District – Supt. Jeffrey Hodges

Lady Delois Wallace, President

Bishop Charles H. Mason District – Supt. John Taylor, Jr.

Elder Charles Hughes, President

C.M. Hughes District – Supt. Michael Eaddy

Sister Tywanna Gaston, President Sister Zanitra Brown, Chairlady

D.A. Reed, Sr. District – Supt. David Reed

Sister Fredricka Williams, President

J.B. Wheeler District – Supt. David Collum

Deacon Alvin Rhodes, President

R.C. Edwards District – Supt. Colin Smith

Sister Brandi Harvey, President

St. FW McGee/William Campbell District – Supt. Walter Blalark

Elder Derek Mayes, President Sister Stephanie Mayes, Chairlady

U.E. Miller/L.T. Buchanan District – Supt. Van Wells

Minister Tony Sims, President Missionary Celestina Jordan, Chairlady

Williams Memorial/I.S. Stafford District – Supt. James Sims

Elder Prince Reed, President Deaconess Althea Collins, Chairlady William Roberts Memorial District – Supt. Dr. Carl King, Sr.

Jr. State Leadership Brother Devin Tyler, Jr. President ~J.B. Wheeler District – Supt. David Collum

Elder Sidney Marks, Jr. President ~ Edward Memorial District – Supt. Napoleon Harris

Sister Tiffany Gregory, Jr. Chairlady ~ Bishop Carlis Moody, Sr. District – Supt. John Brewer

Sister Satori Elder, Jr. Chairlady ~ Williams Memorial/I.S. Stafford District – Supt. James Sims

Sister Asahni Wallace, Youth Department Secretary ~C. H. Mason District – Supt. John Taylor, Jr.

Upcoming Jurisdiction Events

June 21, 2015

Happy Father’s Day!!!

June 25, 2015

Licensing & Ordination Service King of Glory Tabernacle COGIC 2314 E. 83rd Street, Chicago, IL

Adm. Asst. Supt. Jeffrey Hodges, Host

July 10, 2015

State Monthly Fellowship Christ Community COGIC

1151 E. 170th Street, South Holland, IL Supt. Dr. Carl King, Sr., Host

July 25, 2015

Pre-Convocation Musical Inspirational Deliverance Center COGIC

647 N. Parkside, Chicago, IL Mother Shirley Hughes, Host

August 10-14, 2015

Annual Holy Convocation Tinley Park Convention Center

18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park

Come and fellowship in the Day-Sessions – detailed information forthcoming

August 17, 2015

Jurisdictional Assembly Pickens Memorial Temple COGIC

5659 S. Union, Chicago, IL 1st Adm. Asst. Supt. Van W. Wells