There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7.

Olympic Gold Medalist and Ohio State University football assistant coach Butch Reynolds is the guest speaker. Butch is a graduate of Hoban High School and a three-time track and field medalist in the Olympic Games.

National & Global Youth Service Day, the largest service event in the world, mobilizes youth to identify and address the needs of their communities through service-learning and community service. More than 115 National Partners and 51 Lead Agencies throughout the United States organize projects. 

US Bank and Subway join the City of Akron as hosts and sponsors for the event honoring some of Akron’s finest young citizens who have contributed to the more than two billion hours of volunteering given by teenagers in America.

Honorees are among nominees 12-18 years old who have served at least 20 volunteer hours during the service year 2007. Mayor Don Plusquellic appointed the committee from the community who have selected the volunteers who will be honored next Tuesday.

Nominating agencies of winners will receive a cash donation in the name of the winning volunteer. The City and US Bank will present $200 donations in the name of each first place Volunteer of the Year and a contribution of $150 in the name of each second place Outstanding Volunteer.

Volunteer of the Year
(12-13 years old cxategory)

AirreAnna Moore
Christian Fellowship Basketball League (CFBL)
127 hours

"She has the biggest and brightest smile in the world." That’s what Pastor Kevin Strickland, Sr., says about AirreAnna Moore who is an extraordinary volunteer for the Christian Fellowship Basketball League.

AirreAnna, because of her warm smile, is often a greeter; and she is a scorekeeper, recorder of stats, and works the concession stand at our Joy Park location.

AirreAnna has volunteered for CFBL for the past six years and always makes herself available to do whatever is needed. She understands the need for education and is consistently on the honor and merit roles.

-Submitted by Pastor Kevin D. Strickland, Sr., Founder/President
Christian  Fellowship Basketball  League

Outstanding Volunteer
(12-13 years old category)

Jamia L. Richardson
Akron Urban League
20+ hours

Jamia Richardson is new to volunteering. Her first volunteer experience was packing food for needy families during our annual Thanksgiving Basket program. She was energetic, excited, committed and very helpful. She not only proved to be a good listener, she also made recommendations on how best to organize and implement this task. She volunteered as a face painter and over a  four hour period, decorated more than 150 satisfied faces. Jamia worked on almost every stage of the basket program, including the clean up.

Jamia interacts well with everyone she meets; she has a solid understanding of the mission of the Akron Urban League; and, because of the leadership skills that she demonstrates, we are confident she will  continue to volunteer at the Urban League and throughout the community.

-Belinda Richardson, Director of Development
Akron Urban League

Volunteer of the Year
(14-15 years old category)

Timothy Park
American Red Cross Summit County Chapter
139 hours

Timothy Park maintains, updates and helps with the design of the Youth and Young Adult web page on our chapter’s web site. He works on a two-person web team and uses his knowledge of computers, design, photography, and video to create great web pages.

Timothy has volunteered for the past four years, increasing his involvement each year. He volunteers faithfully every first and third Thursday from 10am - 5 pm and at many others times as well.  He was involved in our event at the ACCESS Women and Children’s Shelter, the Community Outreach Learn to Swim program, the 2007 Holiday Safety Night, the Jewish Community Center Kid’s Fair, and many, many other worthwhile projects as well.

Timothy is home schooled and, even without a school requirement to volunteer, he willingly gives his time and energy to help others.

-Submitted by  Diane Baldridge
Youth and Young Adult Services Specialist
American Red Cross Summit County Chapter

Outstanding Volunteer
(14-15 years old category)

Jasmine Wyatt
Caring Communities of Summit County
50 hours

Jasmine Wyatt is a resourceful young lady who volunteers for the Caring Communities of Summit County. This past year she went door to door recruiting for our July retreat. Because of her efforts, the staff was able to take care of important office duties. Her computer talents also came in handy while designing flyers for use in the campaign.

There isn’t a task that Jasmine has turned down. She also takes on child care duties. She watches children who come to the program with their grandparents. This allows the adults to focus on activities without having to keep an eye on the children.

Though Jasmine is involved in many activities at St Mary’s School, she still finds time when she can to help in our office.

-Gloria Porter, Activities Specialist
Caring Communities of Summit County

Volunteer of the Year
(16 years and older category)

Victoria Marie Graham
Innes Middle School
115  hours

Victoria Graham, a freshman at Kenmore High School, volunteers at Innes everyday after school answering phones, greeting visitors, filing records, and helping staff with classroom duties. With her assistance, the staff is able to get two days work done in one.

Victoria also helps with the girls softball, basketball and volleyball teams. No matter what the weather, she shows up with a great attitude and a smile on her face. She carries a full schedule at Kenmore. She participates in the ROTC program and is a merit and honor roll student.

Victoria has endured much in her short life. In and out of foster care, she remained steady through her mother’s illness and recent death. With all that she’s been through, Victoria never missed a day at Innes. She continues to show her bravery, strength and loyalty. Victoria is, by far, a great young lady.

-Submitted by James McCoy, Principal
Innes Middle School

Outstanding Volunteer
(16 years and older category)

Amanda Bush
American Red Cross Summit County Chapter
189 hours

Amanda Bush is president of the chapter’s Youth and Young Adult Council and participates in many events and training programs. She has been a faithful volunteer over the last five years and has grown as a person and a leader.

Amanda’s volunteerism benefits our organization because she makes herself available to lead our youth and for our many events. She participated in the Stress on Safety Program, 2007 Pancake Breakfast, the volunteer recognition picnic, 2007 Holiday Cookie Baking, fundraising and many other activities.

Amanda attended the Youth Leadership Extravaganza and led the youth so well that folks who witnessed her in action during the three and a half day event thought she was one of the counselors.

-Submitted by Diane Baldridge
Youth & Young Adult Services Specialist
American Red Cross Summit County Chapter