People of all ages and walks of life are trying to make Pine Hills a better place.
Clermond “Kevin” Pompilus is 14 years old. When most kids get home from school in the afternoon, they could do a lot of different things.
But Pompilus goes to the Walt Disney World Boys and Girls Club in Pine Hills. That is where he puts his love of robots and the arts to good use in the community.
“I teach the kids robotics, and I remember showing them how to work in their workbooks and telling them the difference between positive and negative”. “And it has gone on ever since,” Pompilus said.
Abel McGlashing, who runs Visual Arts at the Walt Disney World Boys and Girls Club, said, “It makes me proud and happy to see Kevin grow up.”
“To see how the club has changed him as a person, not just in school and with friends, but also as an advocate.”
The Evans High School student has been in the club since he was six years old. Pompilus is now talking about two problems that he says go hand in hand: not having enough food and mental health.
It was part of a project called Food for Thought that was run by teens.
The teens went to Washington, D.C., to talk to policymakers about food insecurity. They did this as part of the Club’s program called “Mental Health Mythbusters.”
Pompilus said, “The Mental Health Mythbusters hold events to bust mental health myths and also educate and provide resources to the community about mental health.”
“We give them ways to deal with their problems, teach them how to breathe, and encourage them to keep a journal. Most importantly, we teach them how to get help.”
“Kevin stands out to me because he really wants to help people.” “He looks at the little things,” McGlashing said. “The little things that most people would miss, Kevin does not miss.”
He stops. One thing that makes Kevin stand out to me is that he listens, and his desire to help others is strong.