The following is compiled from a press release from Trackside Teen Center.
Trackside Teen Center, a town amenity for 20 years, that has been on a steady trajectory of growth and revitalization for the past few years, is now writing a new chapter in its story. Organizers there have launched a scholarship that they said “honors teen leaders whose contribution has made a noticeable impact empowering and mentoring youth, supporting their peers, creating a welcoming and inclusive space and sparking joy.”
Trackside Director of Programming John Priest said that, more than just financial aid, the Legacy of Love Scholarship is a heartfelt recognition of graduating teens who show up consistently with a clear love and devotion.
“The impact of the Legacy of Love Scholarship is a commitment to growing a future full of leaders who lead with love, who honor diversity and who shape the world through kindness and deep connection,” Priest said. “We feel so lucky to be able to offer this type of recognition and support to the teens who make this place so special.”
This year’s recipients of the Legacy of Love Leadership Award are Finn Ryder and Kieran Lenihan.
Ryder has been involved with Trackside since middle school. This past year he taught Preplay/Improv and Video Editing and is also part of the Late Night Supervisory Crew. Trackside officials wrote that Ryder “bring[s] joy, positive energy, enthusiasm and love to all that he does, he’s a wonderful role model and fully embraces the Trackside culture of being a welcoming and accepting place of inclusion for all.”
“We are so honored for Finn to receive the first ever Legacy of Love Scholarship,” his mom Heather Ryder said. “Trackside is an amazing place for a middle schooler to explore new interests under the umbrella of adults and peers who support them. As these kids get older they are then encouraged to come back to take leadership roles and mentor the younger kids. It’s such a full circle experience and we are so fortunate as a community to have Trackside foster friendships, confidence and leadership.”
Lenihan has also been involved in Trackside since middle school, first participating in clubs and now leading Quiz Bowl for the past year. Trackside officials said of Lenihan: “He is a quiet hero of a leader; devoted, passionate, responsible and a great role model for our younger teens. Kieran is representative of the culture we value so highly at Trackside: welcoming, accepting and supportive of all.”
The Lenihan family said they are honored and proud of their son’s accomplishments. “We are so grateful to the Trackside Staff for providing the opportunity and support allowing Kieran to grow and flourish in this leadership role! The scholarship will go a long way in instilling the values of diligence and commitment when taking on future endeavors. We are forever grateful.”
“The scholarship is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We thank you. And we believe in everything you’re becoming,’” Trackside Executive Director Lori Fields said.
“The Legacy of Love award is a true reflection of the teen center’s values; celebrating character, compassion and commitment. It was important to us that this scholarship wasn’t about what these teens do next. This isn’t about test scores, GPA or their future academic choices; instead this scholarship is meant to celebrate what they’ve already given,” Fields added.
Trackside officials hope that this new Legacy of Love Scholarship will become a lasting legacy rooted in the organization’s core value of providing a place of belonging where teens feel seen, heard and celebrated for who they already are.
Community members can help nurture and grow this legacy by making an online contribution or reaching out to Fields directly for anyone interested in a more personalized or deeper level of support.