AG 2004 03 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NORTH CAROLINA'S TOP TWO YOUTH VOLUNTEERS SELECTED/Page Three John Taylor Baker, 18, ofHayesville, a senior at Hayesville High School, created a scholarship fund for graduating football players, and funded it by writing and publishing a book about the history of football at his school. Over the past four years, John has raised more than $14,000 in scholarship money, and has awarded 21 scholarships so far Manisha Panjwani, 17, ofMooresville, a senior at North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, spearheaded a program at her school to highlight the dangers of landmines and to raise money to help remove them Manisha raised more than $400, which was donated to the Landmines Survivors Network. Alison Rotondo, 16, of Greenville, a junior at Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, developed a program to help female athletes prevent a common knee injury called "anterior cruciate ligament injury," which she has suffered herself. Alison conducted extensive research on the subject, produced an informational pamphlet, and developed a warm-up exercise program, which was adopted by five of the girls sports teams at her school. Anna Scarbrough, 17, of Concord, a senior at Concord High School, founded a local humane society for teenagers who want to work together to prevent animal cruelty and raise money for animal-assistance programs. Since the summer of 2002, Anna's organization has attracted more than 30 members and has raised over $16,000. Andrew Smith, 17, of China Grove, a senior at South Rowan High School, created a gourmet cooking club for elderly residents of an assisted-living facility. The club's 25 members meet weekly to sample dishes from all over the world prepared by Andrew and occasional guest cooks "People as caring and committed as these young students are critical to the future of our neighborhoods, our cities and our nation," said Arthur F. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. "By recognizing these honorees, we hope to encourage other young people - our future leaders - and all Americans to think more about the value and importance of volunteering in their communities." "We are proud to recognize the commitment these young people have shown to their schools and communities," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. "Their dedication and selflessness is testament to the kind of young people in our nation's schools." - more -