FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2007

Past National Youth Sports Program participant Melanie Larsen Sinouthasy proceeds to a successful career and community contributions

MINNEAPOLIS – Melanie Larsen Sinouthasy, former University of St. Thomas National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) participant is a Minnesota Judicial Branch Diversity Specialist who has contributed to many programs catering to youth.  The free summer day camp finished its 17th summer for kids ages 10 to 16 from St. Paul and Minneapolis schools. NYSP is committed to serving children by providing academic and athletic opportunities, nutritious meals, and exposure to a college campus.
 
As a past NYSP participant at the age of 13, Melanie said kids benefit from the program through “exposure to different subjects. NYSP is another avenue to learn about [subjects such as] math and science.” Melanie is working on her master’s in public health with a concentration in administration and policy from the University of Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s from Gustavus Adolphus College (’00) majoring in psychology and biology, and minoring in Spanish and Latin American studies. She believes kids are “fortunate to have programs like NYSP, [where they are] exposed to an array of academic and athletic opportunities.” 

Having won the Phillips Scholarship (’98-’00) given to ambitious individuals who create programs to help their community, Melanie coordinated the Get Set Program, a college preparatory program for over 90 youth. A life-changing experience, Melanie was inspired to design the Get Set program because of NYSP’s influence. “It is important to have successful mentors. I want to be able to be that role model for other students too,” she said. This goal was achieved when a former Get Set participant approached Melanie while investigating post-secondary options and told her it was “because of you that I’m here now.”

Upon reminiscing about NYSP, Melanie particularly enjoyed the academic portion, but also said, “The sports part was fun too. To this day, I remember learning Tae Kwan Do.” Melanie is an example of a NYSP participant who has created opportunities for herself and in return to the community.

Read more about the St. Thomas NYSP or call Laurie Shurson at (651) 962-4878 or e-mail llshurson@stthomas.edu.   

- (30) -