By Kamal Morgan

July 23, 2025 5:00 AM

Front row from left are Masoka Peter, Siem Ghebrelibanos and Mouhannad Issa. Back row from left are LaTasha Ireland, Kenneth Ireland and Dominique Lusambya. Peter, Ghebrelibanos, Issa and Lusambya were among 300 young people from across the country who attended the National PAL Youth Leadership and Mentor Summit this month in Arlington, Virginia. They also visited Washington, D.C

Fort Worth was represented by four young people from the Morningside neighborhood at a national youth summit this month that promoted leadership and positive community change. They represented a Fort Worth organization that provides mentorship and development to children who may come from challenging environments.

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues held its National PAL Youth Leadership and Mentor Summit from July 9 to 12 in Arlington, Virginia. Youth leaders ages 6 to 18 participated in workshops and discussions, and heard presentations on topics from drug prevention to human trafficking.

Masoka Peter was one of the Fort Worth young people who attended the event. She said she has found membership in the Tarrant County Unity 360 PAL chapter to be beneficial.

Peter, 14, lives in the Park Terrace apartments in the Morningside neighborhood, where, she said, there is not much for youth her age to do. Peter applied for the PAL program last year after volunteers came to her apartment complex, and she began last September as a co-mentor to younger children in the program.

Her experience has helped her overcome shyness and social anxiety and built self-confidence as she has met and interacted with other youth.

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article310622030.html#storylink=cpy