AMHERST — A local teenager who has been at the forefront of human rights issues, from taking a lead among her peers in confronting gun violence to making sure homeless children have decent clothes, is being recognized for her work.
Emily Grybko, 13, was honored with the Youth Heroism Award from the Amherst Human Rights Commission at a ceremony at the Amherst Regional Middle School on May 25.
Three sets of teachers submitted her name as deserving of the award, said commission director Deborah Radway, and the commission in its recognition notes Grybko’s “quiet leadership.”
“Emily’s work inspires all of us on the Human Rights Commission,” the commissioners wrote. “She exemplifies the idea that one person can make a difference.”
During school vacation week in February, Grybko, an eighth-grader, drafted a letter, signed by other students who offered input through Instagram, that went to U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern following the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. McGovern then read the letter aloud on the floor of Congress and into the record.
“I thought it was important to raise awareness to politicians that students know what is going on,” she said at the time. “We are frustrated and frightened by the lack of action.”
Later, Grybko inspired her classmates and teachers in a Teens for Jeans program, through DoSomething.org, that collected 146 pairs of jeans. She created three lessons that introduced her fellow students to the complex problem of homelessness, and after collecting the jeans she delivered them to the community store at the Amherst Survival Center.
Mindy Domb, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, said she is grateful to Grybko, and many other community members.
“Emily and all community members who donate to the center or who lead community drives for the center’s programs are vital community partners who assist the Amherst Survival Center to meet our mission,” Domb said.
Grybko has also been a member of the Leo Club, which provided a local family with Christmas presents and food and also raises money for local and national charities. She also regularly volunteers at the community meal program Not Bread Alone.
Grybko’s mother, Rachael Valentine, said she appreciates the compassion her daughter has for others.
Scott Merzbach can be reached atsmerzbach@gazettenet.com.
