Best Youth Mentor

Sometimes the best thing someone can do for young people is be present in their lives. In West End, SHAWN DEANGELO WALTON is filling that role. After graduating from Morehouse College with a degree in childhood development, the metro Atlanta native settled in Atlanta’s westside and founded WeCycle Atlanta, a nonprofit that teaches young children about sustainability through urban agriculture and bicycling. He has taught them how to build small businesses, stay active, and, occasionally, stay straight when he’s found them avoiding school. Much like Bearings Bike Shop in Adair Park, Walton helps kids earn bicycles through doing good deeds. This past summer he started mentoring children, teaching them how to start lawn-mowing services, and sell items such as incense. Walton placed a $1 bounty on real-estate investors’ numerous (and illegal) signs on utility poles aimed at hoodwinking desperate people to sell their houses for less than they’re worth. And when a child expressed interest in learning about the police department, Walton was able to secure a sit-down with a local officer, who also donated tennis racquets for the youth, helping to build ties between community and law enforcement. www.wecycleatlanta.org. less...