“Helping the community is very important because it shows that we can really impact others through being there for them, no matter what,” says Kelvin Manzanares, a senior at Archbishop Rummel high School.
Manzanares is highly involved in his Rummel community. His first three years he participated in the Rummel-Chapelle Band; he’s currently a representative for Youth Rebuilding New Orleans; and he also serves as a youth evangelist in the First Pentecostal Church of Kenner (Spanish).
One of Manzanares’ most rewarding volunteer experiences was feeding the homeless in the French Quarter. “Feeding the homeless was a very eye-opening experience because I was able to realize that just by giving those in need a little of my time, I could impact their whole day in such an amazing way,” says Manzanares. “It’s as if they gave me more than I gave them.”
Bob Whitman, a junior counselor at Rummel, inspired Manzanares to become an activist. During Manzanares’ junior year, Whitman gave a presentation on Youth Rebuilding New Orleans. The organization was first formed to help flood victims during Katrina, and ever since Manzanares saw the presentation he had the desire to help others in need.
Most recently, Manzanares helped many of the flood victims in Baton Rouge by gutting, moving furniture and distributing supplies to those in need. Manzanares also planned a Rooms To Go donation for 50 families who lost everything and a distribution of donated items for Immaculate Conception Church.
Manzanares wants to attend the University of New Orleans for college and become a Radiology Technician. His hobbies are playing basketball, football and the drums.