Howard County teen’s invention leads to 1,400 donations.
“We wanted to help the community,” he said. “I realized how hard it was for the teachers to switch from virtual to in-person classes. Some teachers said it was like flying a plane with no direction.” Wang inspired 42 other students in the county to form the nonprofit Clarksville Youth Care Group.
The organization has donated more than 1,400 protective kits to teachers at 62 schools. And he’s not done yet. The kits include a handmade colorful cloth mask in assorted designs that features a pocket where a filter can be inserted for additional protection; an “ear saver,” which reduces the strain that masks place on the ears; a thank-you card and a mask lanyard. Each kit takes about three hours to make.“I realized that we should account for how tough it would be for the teachers. We expect them to be such a strong figure. We needed to appreciate all the hard work they do,” said Wang, who previously raised $13,000 in an effort to make 3,600 face shields that were donated to 101 hospitals, clinics, dental offices, urgent-care centers and first responders in seven states.Wang’s efforts were recently recognized when he was one of two Marylanders out of 25 national high school students named as Prudential Emerging Visionaries. Faaris Zuberi, 17, of Rockville, also was recognized for leadership of “Financial Literacy Introduction Program,” which offers financial literacy training to student members of the Youth Economic Initiative. The award recognized the students for their “outstanding, innovative solutions to pressing financial and societal challenges in their communities,” according to Prudential Financial.“The students we’re honoring have a sense of possibility that drives them to look beyond themselves,” Charles Lowrey, the firm’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “Their vision and dedication are key to creating fully inclusive communities, and we are humbled and inspired by their work.”Mikaela Lidgard, the principal at River Hill High School, learned about Wang’s project last year while working at another school. She said the project has reached other schools in Howard County and Maryland. “Seeing young people take the lead and move forward and being compassionate about others was really inspiring,” she said. “They are going to lead us in ways that are exciting, uplifting and reinforce our faith in humanity.” Amanda Wang, a 14-year-old freshman at River Hill, said she is proud of her brother’s ability to lead and inspire others in the effort. She also helps run the group with him.“His hard work inspired me and others to work harder and make sure this project was going at a smooth pace,” she said. Their parents, she said, have been supportive. “They have been really proud of us,” she said. “We needed their help for a few things — such as material costs and design — but it’s mostly us doing this.”Arthur Wang said he plans to expand the efforts to bus drivers and other community members who are in direct contact with the public. He also wants to inspire more students to join in the effort. “I think we can really take our stuff to the next level and expand to more and more people,” he said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Suburban DuPage County, others in elevated risk category as COVID-19 cases risePublic health experts say while positivity rates have been low in recent weeks, they are steadily inching up.
Read more »
King County crosses threshold for CDC's 'yellow' COVID-19 levelKing County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin will be giving an update Monday afternoon regarding the increasing levels of COVID-19 in the county.
Read more »
Dauphin County teen reported missing: policeSusquehanna Township police said Khalil Perry was reported missing Monday. It was unclear where he was last seen.
Read more »
Americans who haven't had COVID-19 are now in the minority following omicron surge
Read more »
Vice President Harris has tested positive for COVID-19Vice President Harris has tested positive for COVID-19 and has exhibited no symptoms, the White House announced on Tuesday. She's not considered a close contact to President Biden or the first lady.
Read more »
Teen arrested for alleged kidnapping, assault of 12-year-old Utah County girlA teenage boy was arrested Tuesday morning for kidnapping, vehicle theft and various other charges after a traffic stop in Spanish Fork.
Read more »