Shorewood High School junior, Aliah Duckworth, was recently named the 2020 “Hispanic Youth of the Year” by UMOS.
UMOS, a non-profit advocacy organization, provides programming and services which aim to improve the employment, educational, health and housing opportunities of under-served populations. Each year, the organization hosts a Hispanic Awards Banquet to honor individuals in Wisconsin who contribute to the Hispanic Community. Nominations are submitted to an awards committee, which presents the following awards each year: Hispanic Man of the Year, Hispanic Woman of the Year, Hispanic Youth of the Year, and Hispanic Family of the Year.
Though there was no banquet this year, Aliah was recognized for her many contributions to society including providing food and clothing to the community, assisting refugees with reading and homework, and volunteering to go door-to-door reminding people to vote.
“My mother is the one who motivates me,” Aliah says. “She’s always told my brother and me that we should appreciate what we have and give back to people who are less fortunate, and I take that with me always. I still remember going to a church to see the refugees—with no clothes, no toys, not even a home—when I was around six years old. I became very close with one of the refugee girls, and even though we didn’t speak the same language we communicated by using cards. I will always remember that experience.”
In addition to building friendships, Aliah shares that the most rewarding part of doing her volunteer work is seeing the look of pure joy on people’s faces.
“Some will dance, some will cry with gratitude… If you’re looking to start giving back, just start by doing one simple thing- maybe you go to a church and help with a food drive, or donate clothes.”
Not only did Aliah win an award, but her mother Norma won “Hispanic Woman of the Year” and her family—which includes brother, SHS ’19 alum Percy—won “Hispanic Family of the Year.” Taking home three awards as a family, the Duckworths made history for the UMOS organization.
“Our work in the community, throughout the city, and abroad has gone on for over 25 years,” says Norma. “Our contributions have been financial sponsorships, furniture, clothing and resources; organizing walks and raising money to support local and international hunger; building water wells and giving financial support to build schools in Pakistan; building a center for resources in Mexico, and more.”
“The most rewarding part of doing this work is being able to assist those who have lost hope or faith in society. We can all make a difference in the world by contributing, financially, time, talent or resources. Please join us in making a difference in our community and abroad.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can help with the Duckworth family’s current volunteer initiatives, please contact Norma at 262-894-3484 or [email protected].