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New Director Takes The Reins At YEA!

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By LENORA LAKE, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 27, 2007

UNIVERSITY AREA - The new director of Youth Empowered to Achieve, known as YEA!, was surprised recently with the organization's top volunteer award.
Agatha Skerritt, 29, received the Caleb Award on Oct. 18 at a dinner ceremony from the nonprofit organization, which teaches computer, business and social skills to children in the University Area.
Skerritt took over the leadership role this summer from founder Marsha-Ann Strand, who had medical problems throughout the spring. Since recovering, Strand has become a senior program officer with the University Area Community Development Corp., which works to redevelop the area west of the University of South Florida.
Skerritt earned the four-year-old organization's highest recognition 'because she was interning and then came back to volunteer,' Strand said.

When she knew she needed to resign the director's position, Skerritt 'was a natural to take over,' Strand said. 'It's really in good hands.'

Skerritt, a Citrus Park resident, has a master's degree in business administration from the University of South Florida.

She said she is expanding the program at YEA!, which is based at 13704 N. 20th St.

YEA! is offering the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, focusing on dance and after-school tutoring in math and science, Skerritt said.

YEA! continues to offer a program in which children learn to use a computer, build one from parts and take it home. It also provides information about working in a business setting with proper etiquette and business protocol.

Throughout the years, it has conducted community cleanups and hosted a group of teens from Barbados who wanted to start a similar program there.

Mitchell Harris, a New Tampa resident, became president of its board of directors this summer. He had served as a board member for about 2 1/2 years.

Harris said grants the organization has received have allowed it to increase the number of children served from about 50 to about 150.

'You want them to grow and gain confidence. Hopefully, one day, they will make a difference in the community,' Harris said.

Correspondent Lenora Lake can be reached at (813) 865-4851 or llake@tampatrib.com.

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