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Local students earn esteem and Elk awards

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Contributed by: kevin moore on 5/2/2008

Next time you hear a neighbor or family member start a rant with "Kids today... ," go ahead and interrupt them and tell them about some super kids recently honored by the Arvada Elks Lodge 2278. At the annual Youth Awards banquet, held April 23, family and friends gathered to dine and present awards for male and female Students of the Year, and to award three scholarships to deserving graduates of Warren Tech. Students of the Year, Nicole Kostelecky and Ryan Hynes, were chosen from 28 Student of the Month winners, and from 70 nominees attending Arvada high schools. Winners receive a $500 scholarship funded by the Elks National Foundation.

Young Mr. Hynes, representing the Ralston Valley Mustangs, demonstrated academic excellence (GPA 4.05); service to school (National Honor Society, Student Body President 12th grade, Secretary 11th grade, Student Council 3 years, Peer Mentor, Advanced Mixed Choir); athletic excellence (1st Team All Conference in tennis, Team MVP, Academic All-State); and church and charitable endeavors (4 years Underprivileged Children's Christmas Exchange, 4 years Special Needs Soccer coach, 3 years Blood Drive, Salvation Army, Adopt-a-street clean-up, African Scholarship Fundraiser, Youth Tutoring Organizer, Special Olympics and elementary school volunteer. Ryan says, "I am involved because I am passionate, not because I am a workaholic concerned only with success."

Ms. Kostelecky, an Arvada West Wildcat, achieved academic superiority (GPA 4.0278), and a commitment to her school (Student Council Treasurer 12th grade, President 11th grade, 3 years National Honor Society, committee chair for Homecoming parade, Prom, Veteran's Day, and several others). Nicole lettered in sports (4 years Cross Country, 3 years Track & Field, 1 year Golf and 1 year Soccer). Her church activities include3 years Youth Group, 2 years Youth Advisory committee, Leader and Hand Bell Ringer of Confirmation Retreat, Vacation Bible School, 3rd-grade religious education instructor and Junior High Youth Group.Twice awarded the Student of the Month award, she also was a part of the CHSAA Leadership Conference, HOBY Junior Council, Outdoor Lab Leader, Senior Citizen's Prom and Jefferson County Youth Leadership. Listing interests too long to include here, Nicole says, "I am very family oriented. I am a very ambitious person and I have great aspirations for my future."

Warren Tech scholars earned $500 each for future academic expenses.The Elks planned on awarding two scholarships, but the race was too close to call, and three were granted. Sarah Day will be your floral designer someday. Lacey Garrett has a knack for crafting culinary masterpieces. Jace Nadeau is ready to take on the demands of automotive service and repair in an age of advanced technology and rapid changes. Warren Tech was well represented at the banquet, including the keynote speaker, Joe Shaw, who waxed poetic about the rewards that come from hard work, perseverance and dreaming big.

The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Students were also awarded. Based upon leadership, extra-curricular activities, honors and awards, community service and financial need, the following winners emerged: Hannah Levanthal, Justin Langfield, Jessica deCzesznak, Chelsea Murnan and Skyler Kleinschmidt. Arvada is fortunate to have these tremendous citizens.

Youth Activities Chairperson Gin Vossenkemper beamed with pride the whole night, and never tires from rewarding and recognizing the best in Arvada's young adults. So ... just say "Kids today ... rock, baby!"

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

kevin moore

arvada , CO

kevin moore has posted 11 stories and 5 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. kevin moore 's average story rating is 5.

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