To be named as the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Fort Worth is significant. To receive that award twice is amazing.
Meet Ryan Prince, a 15-year-old sophomore at Fort Worth Country Day. He won the award solo in 2013. And this year he is one of 14 young people being recognized for their involvement in Colonial Kids for a Cause.
Ryan and his family are involved with Liberty House, an MHMR halfway house for veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder or drug abuse. His grandparents, Nancy and Roy Rimmer, "have been a part since the doors opened, and they sponsored a room," said Cynthia Prince, Ryan's mom. "As a family, we host a Christmas party every year for the residents in lieu of giving gifts to each other."
Ryan sees it as a way to give back. "Everything that started my philanthropy came off of my grandparents because of their involvement with the Liberty House," he said. "The veterans - they have given so much, but they don't get a lot back, so what we do is we pretty much just give to them what they deserve."
It's a family interest, but Ryan also follows his own path in volunteerism. He's an Ambassador for Fort Worth Country Day, touring prospective students and their parents around the campus. This summer, as a sophomore, he coached lacrosse to Breakthrough students, part of a national program for high-achieving youths from underrepresented communities throughout the city. He also volunteered during the summer for a youth basketball camp and a youth soccer camp.
"I did not sign Ryan up for any of these jobs," Cynthia Prince said. "They are all 100 percent his choice and efforts." FWCD requires graduates to have 40 hours of community service before graduation. "At the end of this summer, entering as a sophomore, Ryan will have earned 79 hours. Not too bad, considering he has three more years of high school," she said.
In 2013, Ryan was recognized for his individual effort. This year it is for involvement in the busiest place to buy lemonade at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. "Each year, 14 children from six families meet to discuss what organization they would like to nominate for support," said Judy Youngs, executive director of a Wish with Wings, who nominated the group for the award. The children hear presentations from organizations and then vote. "This is important to note, as the 6-year-old's vote counts as much as the 15-year-old's," said Youngs.
Two of the youths involved are Ryan and his friend George Marlow. Both are 15. "We've been working together on that ever since it started," he said. Others who will be recognized at the ceremony in October are Thomas Marlow, 13; Henry Marlow, 11; William Marlow, 7; Alex Page, 13; Adeline Page, 11; Sidney Diamond, 14; Jordan Diamond, 11; Sadie Paul, 8; Cooper Paul, 6; Ruthie Mayfield, 7; Mary Blair Mayfield, 7; and Luke Mayfield, 6.
Even with his legacy, there is still the basic question of why Ryan chooses to spend his time this way. The answer is simple: "I just like the feeling of knowing that you impacted somebody positively." And this is what he would say to encourage other young people to become involved in the community: "I would just tell them to realize the opportunities that they have and how lucky they are to be in the position that they are in that they can give back to the people who are less fortunate."
