Basking Ridge chapter of The Alliance Of Youth Leaders In The United States (AYLUS) Honored by Bernards Township Committee

The Basking Ridge chapter of The Alliance Of Youth Leaders In The United States (AYLUS) was recognized Tuesday, August 27 2024 at the Bernards Township Committee meeting. The township recognized AYLUS Basking Ridge for their “service to the community, their exceptional leadership, and their enduring commitment to making a positive difference in Bernards Township, and beyond.”

The Bernards Township Town Council members expressed their gratitude. Township Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy thanked the group for their “outstanding and exceptional work.” Deputy Mayor Janice M. Fields added that the actions of AYLUS Basking Ridge are “honorable” and noted that “volunteerism builds the foundation of one’s character.” Township Committeeman Gary Baumann commended their service as “a model for all of us.” Mayor Jennifer L. Asay concluded, “We feel blessed that you live in our community.”

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New Jersey Governor Murphy awarded AYLUS Basking Ridge the Governor’s Volunteerism Award for a youth volunteer program in June 2024. This particular distinction of Honoree in the Youth Volunteer Program/Group was granted to only seven organizations among the hundreds that applied. Judges complimented AYLUS Basking Ridge on its “unique vision, tenacity and ability to inspire others.”

AYLUS Basking Ridge Advisor Michelle Yang explained that although she is there to assist the members, “this organization is totally student run.” Club officers and Ridge High School Seniors Ethan Zhang and Isabelle Qi stressed that each local chapter of AYLUS has their own individual focus. Some of the chapter’s highlights over the past year include a tech club where members assist residents at Fellowship Village, disaster relief for the earthquake in Turkey, drives for local food banks, monthly concerts for seniors, a Lunar New Year festival at Raritan Valley Community College, a performance at the Bernards Township Charter Day and a 5K Charity Walk/Run for Good Grief. The club looks for organizations they identify with and then ask to assist with a large event or a weekly meeting. Zhang and Qi said when selecting a new project they look for who has the greatest need.

When asked which project they most enjoyed, the members each had their own preferences. AYLUS President Ethan Zhang said the annual Good Grief 5K is “something I look forward to” stressing that it is a “good program” and “what they do is important.” Particularly touching is watching participants carrying signs or wearing shirts honoring the loved ones they lost. Christine Zinckgraf, Development Manager at Good Grief, expressed her gratitude to Basking Ridge AYLUS stating “We are very grateful for their time and dedication as it helps us to put on a great event for our community, but most importantly, they are helping us grow our mission of supporting children and families through loss and adversity!”

Isabelle Qi, Head of Communications for AYLUS Basking Ridge, said she enjoys the tech club because it is a smaller community which meets weekly, allowing her to “get to know people on a more personal level.” She added, “you’re both learning things from one another and you become friends.” Fellowship Village thanked the volunteers with an end of the school year pizza party.

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Active since 2016, the group has dramatically increased both their hours of service and their membership. Zhang noted that when he began volunteering four years ago, the chapter had only five members. Currently AYLUS Basking Ridge has over 50 members, most of whom are in grades 7-12. Together the club has logged over 3,000 volunteer hours.

Zhang was himself recognized with a Governor’s Award recognition of individual Honoree in the Youth In Service category.

When asked what they are looking forward to in the coming year, Zhang and Qi both said they are looking forward to seeing the new perspective of the incoming board members.

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