Goleman student wins United Way’s Outstanding Youth Award

When Christa Curry was very young, her mother worried that her only child might grow up to be spoiled or entitled.
Instead, Christa, 16, who will be a junior at Barbara Goleman Senior High School in the fall, has grown up to become a selfless young lady.
The United Way of Miami-Dade recognized the Miami Gardens teen with its Outstanding Youth Award, for “enhancing the quality of life for many homeless women and their children, by showing them compassion and giving them a glimmer of hope.”
The prize comes with a plaque and a round-trip ticket from American
Airlines that’s good for travel in the United States which will further her personal and educational goals.
With the award, the United Way recognizes leadership, commitment and character through
volunteerism in kids younger than 18.
JoAnnea Curry, a preschool teacher, used to take her daughter with her when she would volunteer in the community.
“This is something that stuck with her,” JoAnnea Curry said.
When Christa was in first grade, she asked her mother how old she had to be to do something
important.
Christa said she was inspired by Barack Obama, who was president of the United States at the time.
That’s when Christa came up with her Bag Lady idea, to provide toiletries in handbags to homeless women in shelters.
That effort grew into Mother’s Day luncheons for homeless women and their children at the
Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove.
Christa formed a non-profit called Christa Cares. She also gets blankets for veterans who are at the Miami VA Medical Center.
She gathers toys for kids, organizes book bag and school supply drives and manages to convince major corporations to sponsor her charitable projects.
When she finishes college, Christa wants to become a corporate lawyer.
In the meantime, she says, “When I help people, it makes me feel like I can do anything.”