Southern Maryland Roots Youth Group

I first met Theresa and the Southern Maryland ROOTS Youth Group on St. Clements Island when they hosted a day of prayer.  This past year I was once again blessed with the opportunity to attend and speak at the 9-11 Local Heroes event there.  

While opening the Lighthouse, a young man asked if he could help me get the Lighthouse ready for guests.  It was during this time that I had the opportunity to talk with him and learn about his interests and goals.  Later that day, I stood and watched the young men and women gather on the front porch of the Lighthouse to ask local lifelong residents about their memories of the area, history of the Island, and stories of their youth.  These young men and women were excited to learn about the past.  I witnessed the youth sharing their faith, thanking our local heroes for giving back to the community, interacting positively with one another, and embracing history.  I’m thankful that we have an organization that inspires youth in our community. 

Rita Weaver

St. Mary’s County 

Board of Education