When the time came to improve their schools, their community and their world by helping others, 22 young people didn’t sit it out, they danced.

For their efforts, Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance (OAYA) honored them May 4 at its annual Youth Recognition Ceremony held at Oxford Middle School.

It’s because of the caring attitudes and good deeds of these young people that Oxford “has the reputation of being a wonderful community to live and work in,” said Cassandra Goulding, caseworker for OAYA.

The young people honored by OAYA sent goats to Africa to feed poor families; helped cognitively-impaired students; collected supplies for the local K-9 Stray Rescue League; helped launch an outreach program for suicide prevention; and set an example for their schoolmates by being leaders and positive role models on a daily basis.

“Whatever they do to make life a little bit better, it just puts a smile on my face,” said Judy Verse, chairperson of the OAYA board and treasurer for the Village of Leonard.

Honorees included Wyatt Ashley, Tara Cuckovich, Adrianna Curtis, Margaret Feltz, Megan Griffith, Kayla Harris, Jaiden Hatchew, Madhu Hueter, Hunter Hughes, Damion Irwin, Samantha Kirchler, Alexis Lopiccolo, Gabriel Losee, Ryan Lundy, Jack McFarlin, Elizabeth McQueen, Broderick Norris, Melia Rayner, Shayley Soave, Jacob Tapert, Rachel Townsend and Norah Wright.

Goulding said these honorees “selflessly dedicated themselves to helping others without any thought of financial or academic gain.”

“They did this because they wanted to,” she said. “Through their thoughtfulness and concern, they have enriched the lives of their fellow citizens and their classmates.”

Jim Combs, pastor of The River Church, which has locations in Goodrich, Grand Blanc, Holly and Waterford, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

The focus of Combs’ speech was his motto in life – “You can sit it out or you can dance.”

“The majority of people in this world sit it out,” he told the audience. “The majority of people in this world don’t end up doing what they dream about doing . . . The sad part is, it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m convinced that you don’t have to sit it out.”

Speaking directly to all the youth present, Combs stressed there’s nothing they can’t accomplish and the world is full of “incredible” opportunities just waiting to be seized.

“The reason your moms and dads, and your grandparents, and the rest of your family are here is because they believe in you,” he said. “They believe there isn’t anything you can’t do. They’re not shocked you’re sitting here because they know you’re a world-changer. You’re somebody who can make a big difference and even live life bigger than they did.”

“Don’t let ‘I can’t’ run your life. Let ‘I can’ run your life,” Combs noted. “Everyone one of you have an amazing plan (for your life). And boy, when you discover it, the journey’s unbelievable.”