Testimonies

Currently, I am living in Nashville, TN where I have performed with various country music artists including JoDee Messina. I am currently playing Keyboards and Banjo for country music super-star John Michael Montgomery. I have accomplished a life-long dream of performing on the Grand Ole Opry, had numerous TV appearances, and performed for and met the President of the United States.

The seeds you've planted in the hearts and minds of many have truly made the world a better place and the love you have shared has spread farther than you can imagine. There are no worldly possessions that could repay you for all you've done, and I know that for you the only treasures that really matter are gifts from the heart. So, mine to you is once again, thank you.

Mike Leatherman

It's so easy to procrastinate on the big things, saying the important stuff, worrying about the right words. There have been little few truly powerful male influences in my life and even fewer I consider mentors. I have been trying to write a letter to express my deepest feelings for so long that I've accumulated notebooks full of drafts and wastebaskets full of white mountains of crumpled up paper balls. So, I'll just close my eyes and wing this one. I hope it's the start of many letters and phone calls.

I remember the first time I went to the Fair. It was a class trip to the Winter Festival. I sat and I stared at the costumes and glitter and the most beautiful girls with crowns and big fluffy hair. I told my mom that night I wanted to be beautiful when I grew up and wear a crown and a pretty dress...I told her some day I would be Miss Winter Festival (i still have the journal entry in my diary). The rest is a long story of how coincidentally my family was involved with the Fair and my cousin Robert Montoya was Jr. King. My Auntie Judy got me an audition with you. I remember how much I wanted to be in the Young Californians and someone told me I was too big for that group...I thought I was too fat to sing with Katie Manning and TJ and Olgalydia and that made me want to be Miss Winterfestival more than ever. You gave me my own show "the Furskins" and I met Tom Tomasello. He was writing down roman numerals as "Love Makes the World Go Round" played. He said someday I'd understand what he was writing and then we could talk serious music.

Fast Forward, I became California Miss in 1990 and later I did become Miss Winter Festival. Not exactly, but I did place 1st runner up to Miss Santa Clara County in 1996 (although sad to say.....at that time there was no Winter Festival anymore) The many years of hard work toward my goals was tremendous, the obstacles were terrifying, but you taught me to dream big, even when I really didn't think I could ever be queen of anything, you helped me realize that it was my struggles and my determination to overcome and win that made me a true representative. And today I am faced with the same struggles as I fight to be a musician...who would think that a fat girl could make it in the music industry? I am applying the same principals you taught me...acting with the right heart, fighting for the happiness of others...I feel confident I will win because of the strong foundation you helped me build.

New York is hard, Mr. S. Life is hard. but it's good and when I think about the time I spent with you and Youth Focus...I know it's my mission in life to fight harder...what if I can be for someone what you have been for me? Oh great, I'm crying while I type this...

"I am a dancer. I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one's being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes in some area an athlete of God." - Martha Graham

Natalie Hull

I just wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you on 35 years of service to the community (wow!), and thank you for your contribution to the things that so greatly affected my life. I look back very fondly on my years as a pageant dancer, pageant participant and dance student of yours for so many years.

Mr. S, you were definitely instrumental in shaping me as an individual and helping me to grow and develop as a person early in life through dance and the pageants. The pageants, which you were so instrumental in establishing and operating, also helped me to develop leadership skills and gain confidence that I have frequently used throughout my life. Looking back, I don't know how you did all that you did.

Over the years, as a senior vice president of my company, I had to give many presentations to my company's board of directors. I believe that the confidence and poise I gained as a result of my participation in the pageants contributed greatly to my business success, and allowed me, on many occasions, to make effective presentations. I mentioned this to my sister just a few weeks ago as we were discussing pageants. She also feels the same about her pageant days.

Thank you Mr. S for your tireless years of giving. Best of luck with your future endeavors.

Amy Burr Young

Congratulations on 35 amazing years of service. What wonderful memories all the programs have provided to so many people. As I think back on all the great people I met through the fairs and competitions, it always brings me a smile. So many of the Youth Focus programs make up my childhood memories. Now with my own two children I wonder what memories they will most cherish when they are older. As a parent, I see how important it is to have children involved in programs that provide them structure, good role models and the chance to find their inner strength that can help them reach their dreams. Now living so far from California I hope I can find a program like Youth Focus that can provide my kids with the same wonderful experiences I had growing up. The confidence I developed from the California State Talent Competition and the various pageants have molded my ability as an adult to know I can do anything I put my mind to.

Thanks you Mr. S. for giving of yourself to so many of the youth of California. The many lives you have touched are too numerous to name but know that your spirit will live forever in their lives and in the lives those people touch. We all love you very much.

Francene (Galloway) Rongione

Thank you for inspiring me. I now live in Danville for last 8 years - now there's a "be careful what I wish for story". Lived in Arizona for 4 years and loved it.

I love telling my stories - am not short-winded. Guess I should have known, having been Miss Congeniality a few times.

In between careers - going towards Real Estate, from Computer Accounting Software Sales & Consulting. Successfully built & sold two businesses.

Launched many women into own businesses. Love empowering Women to succeed in business.

Love cars and driving fast! Recently took up road bicycling (2 years ago and on Women's race team - ha! More stories!), I like gardening, sewing and am now into knitting way too many scarves. Enjoying my journey!

Michelle McBee

I sit here thinking back to the time spent with the Youth Focus Program and everything that it has afforded me and I smile at all the memories.

Our family has been involved with Youth Focus since I was nine years old. My first recollection of Mr.Smethers was that of him sitting in Pavilion Hall shushing all the performers at the annual CSTC Competition.

Soon there after I began competing in the Youth Focus Pageants. I remember dreading the interview aspect of the competitions more than anything else. Mainly because of how shy I was and I do remember that those judges had to really pry to get me to give more than a one word answer.

I entered the Miss Santa Clara County Pageant and became 1st Runner-Up and Miss Winter Festival in 1983. Has it REALLY been that long ago?! I learned a lot about myself that year and although I was never crowned Miss Santa Clara County or Miss California State, I did go onto another program and became Miss Santa Cruz County within the Miss America System.

The community service that I was involved in, the people I performed for and the time I gave back judging various competitions for Youth Focus have enriched me more than I can possibly say.

I currently work at our State's Capitol for Assembly member Dave Cox. Last year, Mr. Cox was the Assembly Minority Leader and part of the transition team for Governor Schwarzenegger. Working at the Capitol during this time was exhilirating!

Because of my experiences from Youth Focus, I have been able to interact with dignitaries at the local, state and international level. I have even had the pleasure of being introduced to and shaking the hands of Governor Schwarzenegger.

This December I will be moving over to the Senate side with Mr. Cox as he has just been elected to represent the First Senate District. This is the largest district in our state and encompasses twelve counties. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead within the Senate.

Besides loving what I do. This past year I also have become involved with the Susan G. Koman Foundation and participated in my first 5K "Race for the Cure" for Breast Cancer. I am in training already for next year's race and hope to top my donations of $500!

Although I couldn't be at this very special anniversary, Mr. S. You and Youth Focus are often in my thoughts and prayers and I hope the Assembly Resolution from Assemblymembers Dave Cox and Kevin McCarthy (the previous and current Republican Leaders) will always hold a special place in your heart as you do in mine!

Patricia Ann Flowers Lenkiewicz

Even with my B.A. in Journalism, finding the right words to bring to justice what a positive impact Youth Focus had on my life is extremely challenging...but I'll try.

Just a little info to bring you up to speed:

I live in Texas now with my husband and two dachshund (A.K.A wiener dogs). We bought our first home a year and a half ago and my parents just recently moved out here, too.

The Texas state fair was in October and my husband just went on and on about how it is ranked the best fair in the US and blah, blah, blah. So we went and we saw and we ate and we ate and we ate. "Where's the entertainment?" I asked Cory. This wasn't a fair. Where were the dancers and the singers and of course, the "Royal Family?"

My point is that we had it so good. We are so lucky to have the memories of performing three shows a day in the scorching sun and late night rehearsals with Mr. S. We are so lucky that we had an outlet for all our energy to be welcomed and applauded by thousands of fair-goers every summer. Not to mention what great times we had at all the dance competitions, scholarship pageants, holiday fairs, too!

If I could, I would turn back the clocks and go back to those days, the first thing that I would do, is grab Mr. S. by the hand and pull him up on stage and tell the thousands of fair-goers what an amazing man he is and how much his love and support mean to all his kids. But since I can't go back, I can tell him now...

Mr. S you are truly one of a kind. I have never met anyone who is so dedicated to the betterment of youth and who reaches out in a way that makes everyone feel like they belong. I miss everyone that I ever shared a stage with and a dressing room with. That I ever rode in a parade car with. And that I ever shared a laugh with. Thank you for the irreplaceable memories everyone. And thank you Mr. S. for making them all possible.

Angela Kreig (Craig)
(AKA Angela Powell)

You and Mrs. S have been a part of the Moles-Trevino family for over twenty years! Wow, we're getting old! When I think of Taryn's and Brad's childhood years I think of the Youth Focus family, the fair, singing and dancing, toilet papering friends homes, and of course you. I really miss those times, the friends, and the fun we all had.

These wonderful memories wouldn't be without you. What an incredible impact you've had on our family. Taryn and Brad grew up in the Youth Focus family. They saw first hand how a man who loves God conducts himself. How he gives freely of his time and his talent for the benefit of others. The benefits to them of those years are evidenced in the self confident, loving and caring adults they are today. Thank you for that.

Speaking of impact, Steve and I met at a Miss Santa Clara County competition (with a little help from Suzette.) I wonder if we would have met had there been no Youth Focus. Not only did we meet at a Youth Focus event but, you performed our marriage ceremony. Thank you and thank you again!

Looking back I see that God has used you in many ways and in many lives. Our family has certainly been blessed by the things you've done and the man that you are. Thank you.

May God richly bless you and your family.

Cindy Moles

That special time we all shared can not be replaced. Those were some of my most treasured moments. We were young, fresh, excited and full of hope for the future which would come. Now we are leaders, business women, mothers, wives, teachers, even International opera singers. Who would have thought? Well, I guess we all knew from the beginning that Mr. and Mrs. S saw our potential. They were founders for a good cause to build a healthy new generation. All of the people working with them, like you, were supporters of all that is good. I thank you, I thank them, and all of those who supported all of the youth. Do they still do competitions? It would be sooooo much fun to judge them or be involved again if I lived in California.

How are my vocal students and friends? Why has so much time passed and the ones you love are at such a distance? I guess my brother passing away at the end of the summer made me realize that we should take advantage of the time we have on this earth to spend time with each other. The career is not everything. Once the performance is over, it is like the Fair the day after it closes. Always empty.

People are what matter. Please help me keep in contact with some of these special people. You are the best person to keep us all together. I love you for that! You have always know what is important. I will learn from you.

Anyway, thank you Mrs. G for your message. Send my greetings and my love. You are all in a very soft and special place in my heart.

Eilana Lappalainen

I can not begin to explain how your goodness has shaped so many lives. I know the choices I make are made come from a foundation made up of you and the youth organization. For that, I thank you.

I share my life in Discovery Bay, Ca. with my two beautiful daughters Amanda 13 and Reagan 7. They are both very involved in basketball and excel in their academics. I am a Realtor and a Loan Officer so I stay very busy.

Congratulations! to you on you long run of 35 years. I hope you continue to stay healthy so you can impact many more lives.

Marnie DeDora Cerrito

I will never forget sitting in my living room listening to Jenny Bennett talk about her experiences in an organization called Youth Focus. I had always participated in CSTC through my dance and vocal schools, but knew nothing about the opportunities provided by the program. When I was ten years old, Jenny convinced me to participate in the California Little Miss Competition. I had such a wonderful time that I knew I wanted to participate again the next year.

After that first year I learned about the Entertainment Division. I auditioned for you in your Fair office and sang the theme from Ice Castles. I was so nervous! That summer I was thrilled to be the first "Chuckles" in "Clowning Around".

That was the beginning and as you know Youth Focus and the Youth Focus Family have been a huge part of my life ever since. I am proud to say that I have been involved with the organization for 18 years. Not only was my participation a way to earn talent and scholastic Scholarships, it was also an opportunity to build my confidence as a performer and grow as an individual.

Mr. S, I am personally so grateful to have had Youth Focus in my life. Without your dedication and love for young people, I feel that I would have missed out on many experiences that truly shaped me into the person that I am today.

You have impacted my life in a way that few people have. Thank you for your continuous love and support.

Jenny Davelaar Dicker

I am thrilled for you and all that you and your organization has accomplished over the years. To know that I've been a part of this journey is an honor.

Youth Focus has, and continues, to influence my life in so many ways. As a dance company owner and director, your organization's focus on service and the idea of "giving back" is the keystone of my performing group. The value of sharing one's talent with others is what I try to instill in my dancers. Seventy-five percent of the company's performances are community service-based. They do between 10 and 15 non-profit performances a year.

Living in today's society we are surrounded with ideas of self-interest and reward. It is my goal to keep messages like your organization's alive because I believe so strongly in it's importance. Thank you for sharing this life lesson with me as a young person. It is my hope that I can pass on what you taught me.

Congratulations and thank you for all you have done to inspire young people.

Kelly Shenefiel Velasquez

I know you will get many messages from the youth that have been involved in several of the Youth Focus's programs. Certainly you have touched many of their lives in ways they probably will not even realize for many more years.

I would like to tell you what it meant for me as a mother to have my daughter be a part of Youth Focus. What I wanted for my daughter in her early years was a chance to learn self-respect, be respected, share her creativity, be safe, be loved and nourished, learn the value of honesty and hard work, open her arms to diversity, not be judgmental, experience success, but also learn from her mistakes without too much pain, and to be happy with who she was and strive to be the very best at whatever she chose to do in life.

These she found within Youth Focus - thanks to you, Mr. S and your staff.

Kathleen Jackson
(mother to Shannon Self)

Words can not begin to express my gratitude for all you did for me. Your dedication and passion motivated me to be the best I could possibly be. You taught me how to win and loose with dignity and you never once failed to provide support and compassion. You taught me that hard work was the key to perfection and your constant encouragement and expectations made me work even harder.

The years I danced with you and then went on to become part of the pageant family were some of the best years any person could hope for in a life time.

Thank you so much for making it possible for me to achieve my dreams.

Sharon McNeill Herrell

It was 20+ years ago that I walked into a room full of young women. The energy in the room was so great. A Man stood up and began to speak, he was a kind looking man, very much full of life, happiness and love. He was a beacon in that room. I sat in amazement as I heard him speak. I wondered why I was even there, but his words, attitude and demeaner told me it was the place to be. He made me feel like I was special. During the next few weeks as we danced, walked and spoke in preparation for our competition I grew to admire and respect this man even more then I did the first time I saw him. He had a way, and still does, about him that makes each person he speaks to feel special, he radiates with a glow that is beyond words.

As the years past I began to look forward to those summer nights of rehearsal, the long days at the fair, the hugs in the morning and the smile and a wink during the day. I also looked at this man as my friend, a special friend. As I grew in years and started out on my own life he was the first person I thought of when I started to plan my wedding. It was an honor for me to have such a wonderful friend and person be the one to perform the wedding ceremony. He was always a part some how of each major event in my life...the birth of my children, divorce, death of a loved one. A true friend.

He taught me many things, but there is one I will never forget. "Each of us are winners and each of us wear a crown. Within that crown are many rhinestones with many more sparkles. For each sparkle there is at least one person we will touch during our lifetime. It is our responsibility to always wear our crown with our head held high, with dignity and with respect. we must always give the people we come in contact with that same respect".

You have touched my life in a way I can not express in words. I know that you are a blessing to me and each day I thank God for having me share so much with you. May you continue to be a blessing to many more and may your life always be filled with love and joy. I love you Mr. and Mrs. Smethers more then you will ever know.

1 Cor 13:7 NCV - Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always remains strong.

Valerie Kotoff-Mazzone

Thank you Mr. S. for the gift of gratitude. You taught me so many things, but the most important lesson you taught me was the importance of saying "thank you".

I will never forget the first time I met you. It was during the first "Santa Clara County Youth Hall of Fame" scholarship program in 1979. I had participated in many scholarship programs that year, but this one stood out. It was not just the focus on community service, it was the way the whole program was run. So, I couldn't wait to find you and thank you for creating the program.

I thought that was it. But, I was so surprised when you called and offered me a job at the Fairgrounds a few weeks later. After three months on the job, we had a chance to go to lunch together. I will never forget what you said:

"Jerry, do you know why I offered you a job? It was because you said thank you." It made such an impression on me. I continued to watch your actions during the four years I worked at the Fairgrounds and went to college. I saw countless acts of giving back to the community with so many different types of youth programs. I saw inspiration that continues to impact me every day.

Since then, I have gone to communications executive positions with Hewlett-Packard and IBM. I now have the blessing of becoming co-founder of my own company. One of the first things that my business partner and I did was develop a set of values that was going to help us serve the bio-technology, medical device, and health services companies we work with.

On the top of the list is how we are going to give back to the community and serve God. Each time we have a chance to do that, I think back of the examples you and God above have given me.

Jerry Cashman

I can not thank you enough for your constant devotion to Youth Focus. Through Youth Focus my friends, vocal students and I were given opportunities that I will cherish forever. Young performers were encouraged to share their gifts with the public and touch people's lives in the process. As performers, we grew immensely, and the chances that we were given in our youth have molded us into the adults we are today. I truly believe that no other program offers such memorable rewards as Youth Focus does, and any one who participates is a better person because of it...well, because of you, Mr. S., because you are the driving force of Youth Focus and therefore have made many people's lives special. Please know that this note is to thank you dearly for your everlasting kindness, support, and love.

Jackie Hammond (Jackie Stewart)

Mr Smethers gave me confidence that has helped me my entire life. He always gave kind words and positive actions. Performing all those years has given me confidence and determination to know that If I put my mind to something, I can do it, and the confidence to do it.

Traci Bucher (Toney)

Youth Focus is a huge part of who I am. I received so much support and love from the member of the program for all the years I was involved and I still do until this day. I was fortunate to be around such a supportive atmosphere that allowed me to grow and meet wonderful life long friends. I thought you should know that your influence has had a positive affect on most everyone's lives it touched.

All of us Youth Focus kids are doing great and the best part I can tell you is that very few of us have forgotten where we came from and who took part in molding our lives.

Ronnell Valencia Hein

Mr. S, you are one of the most amazing people that I know, and have the biggest heart in the world. You are an inspiration to all whom you come in contact with because of your gentle hand, big smile, and love for young people. You have made a difference in the lives of so many, some of which you do not even realize.

Manteca Youth Focus was founded by my mother because of you. You made such an impact on her life as a young woman, that she was inspired to create a program similar to yours for our town. This program has created many opportunities for me which have helped pave the success in my life. I am so honored to be a part of the Youth Focus family, which is such an amazing group of people. The self satisfaction I have received from doing community service, and working with people like you, has in turn shown me that I will continue to work in the community throughout my life.

Congratulations on all your achievements!

Tiffany Gerstel

Some of my fondest childhood memories were at the fair. Mr. S gave us an opportunity to sing, dance, express ourselves through music and a chance to be on stage. I will always be grateful to Mr. S. for pushing us to do our best, teaching us to be good citizens and how to give back to our community. In the future, I would like to follow his lead and coordinate place for underprivileged children to sing and dance.

I just moved back to the west coast from New York. I was last seen on a national tour with ArtsPower, "The Little Engine That Could Earns Her Whistle", in the title role.

Mr. S gave me a place to sing and a place to grow as an entertainer. I will always be grateful and thankful for his service to the youth of Santa Clara County.

Nova Dague

As a 17 year old with very little confidence in herself, the idea of competing was just not an option. I was in awe of my little sisters ability to get in front of so many people and perform with what seemed to be the greatest of ease. I knew from the start that was impossible in my situation for in my mind I was sure I had no talent. Being fascinated with the Youth Focus family kept me coming back, watching and learning and constantly in amazement how one person, with one idea, with one focus, could manage to bring all these people together and make a difference in all of their lives in one way or another. His focus...to touch the lives of as many people as possible. I am positive that Mr. S never considered he would do as much or more for someone who would never consider herself either capable or worthy of any of his programs. I loved the impact I saw that Mr. & Mrs. S made on all who they came in contact with. I wanted just a small part of how he must have felt.

I am 45 years old now and have raised 3 beautiful children who too have reaped the benefits of Youth Focus Incorporated. You see, none of them have had to experience the feeling of not being good enought to compete. They are all very accomplished young women and who is responsible for all that? Yes Mr. S, you are the one who showed me that I too had talent, just not the same as all those kids I saw on your stages.

Mr. & Mrs. S have given me the confidence to be a wonderful mother and raise my children with all the confidence and assuredness I was lacking as a child. They gave me the confidence to make a diffence in my community by teaching others that community pride, self confidence, God given talents, scholastic achievement, awareness of your ability to add to your community with what you have to offer as an individual makes for successful people. The "power of one" is truly amazing. My life has been enriched in so many ways, I can't begin to put it in words. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. S for all that you have done for me and all the people I have had the opportunity to be apart of their lives. It was all because of you.

Carol Noceti

Mr.S was a part of my childhood. I'll never forget how he was always encouraging and supportive, no matter what studio you came from or your social status. It was because of the California State Talent Competition in 1973 at the age of 9 that I became hooked on dance. After winning third place, and receiving a trophy that I still cherish, Mr. Smethers, not knowing who I was or where I was from, gave me a sly smile, a pat on the shoulder, and told me to stick with it and I'd get first place some day. This moment is etched in my memory and still makes me smile. Out of all the awards, even the Emmy Award and the American Dance Award for Best Choreography I received working with legendary choreographer Walter Painter, that third place win is one of the most important victories in my life. I thank and honor Mr. Smethers for his devotion to the young talent in the Bay Area and for providing an outlet to express that emerging creative spirit. I am forever indebted to him for instilling a sense of fairness and fun in all that you do. Even if it's a competition. Thank you Mr. Smethers. You will never be forgotten.

Michael Chambers

Those wonderful days involved with Youth Focus programs...are what molded who we are...I feel so blessed to have been a part of it!! Staci Flood

Dear Mr. S, thank you so much for all you have done over the years. The youth of our country needs a million or more like you. Just think what a place it could be. You have helped so many young people reach and accomplish dreams.

Continue to stay healthy, eat right and exercise, that is what they say is the key, and remember how much your loved and appreciated even if we are not able to always be there for you at times like this celebration, know that you are always with us in our hearts.

Cindy Brown-Hamblin

Heartfelt congratulations on this fantastic milestone celebrating the love and dedication you've so generously given in helping youngsters find meaning in their lives. As a recipient of that generosity, I treasure the opportunity you gave me and countless others in striving to be the best we could be. The feeling of accomplishment in achieving that goal is immeasurable.

My pageant years left an indelible impact on how I would live the rest of my life. I decided then that the fear of failure would not get the better of me, but that I would continually put myself on the line to set goals, meet challenges and strive to live a life of creativity and balance. And what a lovely life it is! I have a beautiful marriage, and a good measure of success in stage writing and performing, incorporating my musical talents wherever I can. Through these years I have earned the enormous respect of my peers which, I've come to understand, has been my quest all along. In extraordinarily large measure, I have my years with you, Mrs. S and the entire pageant family to thank for that. I know I am joined by countless others who have been affected so positively by your work and devotion, and I only wish I could be there to join you for this well-deserved celebration.

Kathy Esteves-Bates

The success the organization has achieved over the years is due in large part to the vision of Bill Smethers. Bill's positive impact on countless lives - including mine - is worthy of celebration, and heartfelt thanks.

Job very well done, Bill. God bless, and God speed.

David Massa

Mr. S, you truly are an inspiration to all who meet you. You have always been there for me, when I needed encouragement. You also were there for me with my mother. The service you gave could not have been more perfect. You are one person I always want in my life. Congrats on 35 years of dedicating your life to enriching the lives of others, You are a remarkable man.

Zora Zamora

Dear Youth Focus, Mr. S is such an amazing person. I appreciate all the youth programs and my years in Youth Focus competitions.

Becca Rodriguez