Peers admire Ryan's hope

The 13-year-old student at St. Pius X School in Loudonville has been described by several of his classmates as a saint of the new millennium:

* Taryn Mullahy said: "To me a saint is someone who does not conform, who is smart in their decisions and schoolwork, and who doesn't worry about what people think. Ryan Yund would make a great saint of the new millennium."

* Joe Burgess, also a 13-year-old St Pius student, agreed: "Ryan has a sense of leadership that every Christian teenager should try to have."

* Classmate Dan Capoccitti said Ryan is an individual who is not concerned with trends. "Ryan is one of those people who goes against the current. Whenever someone tells Ryan about something really 'cool' and it is not the best thing to do, he tells the person that he just doesn't feel like it and walks away. Also, when there is a new trend in school, like wearing ankle socks or rubber bands for 'good luck,' Ryan doesn't bother with it and just wears what he wants to."

Dan also describes Ryan as a peacemaker. "Ryan has never resorted to violence or inappropriate language," he explained. "When two of his friends are in a fight, he finds a way to settle their dispute, and all three talk to each other."

Youths aren't the only ones who think highly of Ryan. St. Pius' principal, Dennis Mullahy, said, "I see Ryan every day. He is a kind and considerate kid who helps anyone who needs it."

Ryan is somewhat surprised by all of this praise. "I see myself as an ordinary person," he said, "not as a saint."

His ordinary pursuits include swimming, hiking, bowling, video games and photography. He is also working towards becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Boy Scout can receive.

In addition, Ryan is involved in community service. He pitched in to help build a playground at his school, and volunteers at soup kitchens and food pantries. He is also an altar server who is available for funerals as well as Sunday Mass.

According to Taryn, "he knows how to treat people, and he has good Christian values. He doesn't have to think about helping someone; he just does."

Ryan explained that being involved in community service projects is the right thing to do. "You know what you're doing helps other people," he said.

Some of his pursuits aren't popular with others his age. According to Taryn, "Ryan goes to church even if his peers don't. He altar-serves even though his friends do not. Ryan also doesn't do sports that others like but sports that he likes. Because Ryan is not concerned about what others think of him, he deals with the pressure of trends and styles well."

Ryan's choices have led to some of his peers teasing him, but he is able to keep the teasing in perspective. "My friends respect me," he explained. "The others tease me."

Making decisions for yourself, even if they go against the crowd, is an important quality for teens to possess, according to Ryan.

"Sometimes, in the end, you're doing the right thing," he said. "You have to do what you think is right. It will all work out in the end."

That is especially important during the teen years, he said, when "there are so many things you can do wrong" and "so many choices to make."

While Ryan often finds himself going against the crowd, he is not at a loss for friends. "Ryan is a very good friend," said Dan. "When you feel like something is bugging you or you feel down, he is always there to talk to you. He never makes fun of the problem that you have, and he finds a way to make you happy, no matter what."

Although his peers see him as an extraordinary teen, Ryan said there are many youth like him. "Not all teens are rebellious," he said. "Some try to do the right thing."

(11-09-00) [[In-content Ad]]