Service to Others Nomination Criteria:  this youth gives of oneself as an individual or as part of a group to improve the quality of life for people, animals or the environment.  This service can be provided at home, at school or in the community.

2006

Service to Others

DARREN WURZ

Darren is a  senior at Springfield High School, and he is a wonderful example of selflessness through service.  Darren has been involved actively in community service throughout his junior high school and high school careers.  He has participated on mission trips, coordinated Bible clubs and helped with Vacation Bible Schools.  And as a member of the National Honor Society, he has supported a number of community service initiatives.   In addition, Darren is active in the Toledo Youth Orchestra and school theater programs.

However, Darren’s greatest achievements have been through his work with CYMBAL, Community Youth Motivated by Arts Learning.  CYMBAL is an after-school tutoring and fine arts program for disadvantaged youth.  Darren originally became involved to teach violin and piano to some of the students, but since then has broadened his involvement to include multi-subject tutoring and positive youth mentoring.

Despite all of his service activities, Darren maintains a 4.39 GPA and is ranked 3^rd in his class.  Kristina White, community liaison for Springfield Schools, writes, “Darren is…a young man who, through kindness and always with a smile on his face, cares enough about others to put himself ‘out there’ every day to make his world (and ours) a much better place to live.”

Nominated by:  Ms. Kristina White, Springfield Schools, 419.867.5720

Sharing Talents Nomination Criteria: This youth generously uses creative gifts and talents (visual and/or performing arts) in order to bring comfort or pleasure to others without receiving monetary gain.

 2006

Sharing Talents

Alyson Goodwin

Alyson is a senior at Bedford High School.  She is a member of the Bedford Angels, Bedford High School Band, National Honor Society and vice-president of the Toledo ZOOTeen program.  In 2005, as a member of the ZOOTeen Community Service Committee, Alyson noted that many ZOOTeens participated in school bands/orchestras and she questioned whether there was a way to link community service and music: the ZOOTeen Jazz Band was born. 

 To help fund her idea, Alyson wrote a grant proposal for Youth Service America’s Youth Venture program, which she had to defend in a nationwide conference call to judges.  Alyson was awarded a grant, which was used to purchase music stands, a drum set, and sheet music.  Since then, the ZOOTeen Jazz Band has performed concerts for area nursing homes and continues to practice weekly.  As Alyson prepares to attend college, she is making the necessary preparations so that the ZOOTeen Jazz Band will continue.

 Frank Ramon, the band director from East Toledo Junior High and adult mentor for the ZOOTeen Jazz Band, is proud of Alyson’s accomplishments.  Alyson is the driving force behind the ZOOTeen Jazz Band; she is an extraordinary individual who is willing to go the extra mile.”

 Nominated by: Mr. Bill Davis, The Toledo Zoo, 419.385.5721

Personal Courage Nomination Criteria: this youth has overcome a personal challenge or handicap in order to help and/or to inspire others. 

2006

Personal Courage

Taylor Adolph

 Taylor is a 3^rd-grade student at Hawkins Elementary School.  In December of 2004, Taylor lost his eyesight, which would be a difficult proposition for anyone.  However, Taylor refused to let his vision impairment slow him down.  Through extensive tutoring, he quickly picked up the nuances of Braille because he was determined to read and do his math.  In fact, he has mastered Braille to the point that he has taught some of his fellow students how to read some passages.  In addition, Taylor has given speeches to students about what it is like to be blind. 

 Taylor is enrolled in the Horizons program for gifted and talented students and excels despite his visual impairment.  Taylor’s dream is to be an astronaut and despite the obstacles before him, no one doubts Taylor’s abilities to overcome these hurdles. 

 Hope McClellan, Teacher for the Visually Impaired for Toledo Public Schools admires Taylor’s inner strength: “Taylor takes every day as it comes with a smile on his face and a willingness to work hard and also to help other students in his class.”  Whatever Taylor’s dreams for the future, she knows he can achieve them.

 Nominated by:  Ms. Hope McClellan, Toledo Public Schools, 419.534.5806