Mending Wings celebrates youth achievement in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (wwlp) - A youth activism group means to shine a light on all that's good in the city of Springfield.

The "Mending Wings Project" held their Youth Appreciation Awards ceremony at the Community Music School on State Street Friday night.

Springfield teens were honored for achievement in academics, athletics, entrepreneurship and community service.

Mending Wings founder Terrance Mack told 22News his group's mission is to overcome negative stereotypes by encouraging youth achievement and civic engagement.

"Even though we're young, we still have the potential to excel past everyone's expectations. We have the potential to change lives, make a better life for ourselves, and change the world around us," Mack told 22News.

The Mass Elite Dance crew was a featured performer at the Youth Appreciation Awards ceremony.  The Springfield-based team is open to dancers of all levels and ages.

To learn more about Mending Wings or Mass Elite, click the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/MendingWingsProject

https://www.facebook.com/MassEliteDanceTeam