Youth Excellence Awards Recognize Perseverance

Recipients Work Toward Achieving Life Goals

Last updated Saturday, May 10, 2008 8:20 PM CDT in Our Town

By Marla Hinkle
THE MORNING NEWS

"When preparation meets opportunity, that makes success," he said.

Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody said the Youth Excellence winners were an inspiration to everyone.

"In spite of your hardships, you give us old timers faith in future generations," Coody said.

He read Gov. Mike Beebe's proclamation of May 8 as Youth Service Day across the state.

Fayetteville Kiwanians who participated in the program included Candy Erbe, Fayetteville Noon Kiwanis president, Carolene Thornton, Lenthon Clark, Ginny Wiseman, Greg Mones and O.E. Luttrell.

Kiwanians from Rogers and Springdale also joined in the celebration.

The Youth Excellence recipients are as follows:

• Raymundo Carillo, ninth grade, Central Junior High School

He has overcome physical and emotional diversity, receiving a heart transplant and two rounds of chemotherapy. Teachers have said he was attentive and polite.

• Tyrone Curtis, eighth grade, Elkins Middle School

He is one of 12 children, nine of whom were adopted, and is a model student. Faculty said he maintains excellent grades and is their "go-to" guy.

• Mardessa McLeroy, seventh grade, Randall G. Lynch Middle School

She lost her mother last year and has maintained a strong work ethic and good grades. Teachers said she willingly puts others' needs above hers and is very sensitive to those around her.

• Ernesto Rangel, ninth grade, George Junior High School

His teacher said Ernesto demonstrated leadership by helping other English language learners in his class and made sure to keep his peers' attention by creating PowerPoint presentations and DVDs.

• Kesha Perry, eighth grade, Greenland Middle School

She has been in special education since she started school and earns some of the highest math grades in her inclusion class. She is in the Greenland Band and assists the basketball coach.

• Brooke Skaggs, seventh grade, Helen Tyson Middle School

Brooke works with severely handicapped students by helping the special education staff in food preparation for students who are not able to feed themselves.

She donates time to help her fellow students and participates in several extracurricular activities. She is also a cancer survivor.

• Felicia Sisco, seventh grade, Holt Middle School

She serves on Holt's Student Council, which twice this year has raised money for Fayetteville families in need. Teachers said she is always the first person to reach out and offer a hand. From childhood, Felicia has struggled to overcome a crippling disability that prevented her from walking. Today, she is able to walk from class to class.

• Maria Regalado, seventh grade, J.O. Kelly Middle School

She is an English language learner and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. Her dreams are to be a first generation college graduate pursuing a career in medicine.

• Luke Coursey, eighth grade, Lincoln Middle School

He has overcome several handicaps throughout his life and excels at martial arts. He has become an avid reader, although he sometimes must take painful shots to relax his eye muscles. Teachers said he is polite and hard working.

• Eden Taylor, seventh grade, McNair Middle School

Her father died when she was 11. She quit the soccer team her father coached, but has since gone on to play for another team. She is described as a responsible student and friendly to others.

She has helped the community by making Christmas ornaments and selling them at a craft fair to raise money to buy presents for less fortunate children.

• Jessy Mowery, seventh grade, Prairie Grove Middle School

Teachers said his positive attitude spreads to everyone around him. He volunteers to sit next to a Spanish-speaking student, so he can help with assignments. He is a member of the school band and helps band directors by arriving early and helping set up the band room for first period, often setting it up all by himself.

• Jessica Jones, ninth grade, Ramay Junior High School

Her father died at the beginning of the school year. After returning to school, she has maintained high marks and been a source of motivation to students and faculty.

• Cathleen Lowe, seventh grade, St. Joseph Catholic School

She participates in several extracurricular activities and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. She has volunteered at the Ozark Food Bank and created cards and care packages for troops in Iraq. Also, she has placed flags on veterans' graves and participated in a blanket drive.

And although she has a speech impediment, she has overcome her fear of public speaking.

• Ben Kuykendall, ninth grade, Southwest Junior High School

He has a complicated medical history and has undergone several eye surgeries, but still maintains attention in class and is a positive role model for others.

• Rachel Elliott, eighth grade, West Fork Middle School

She has served as a peer tutor and is a member of the choir and basketball team. She hopes to someday join the Continental Singers. She is active in her church and community projects.

• Aundrea Sheeler, ninth grade, Woodland Junior High School

She was born with multiple eye conditions and is legally blind. She has to wear heavily tinted glasses, but doesn't let her disability get in the way of a strong work ethic. Her goal is to become a journalist.

• Justin Tate, 12th grade, Elkins High School

Teachers said he is extremely hard working and has excelled in classes and on the football field. He is dedicated to his academics and has maintained an optimistic attitude during four years.

• Oakley Bailey, 12th grade, Farmington High School

She is a school fire marshal, National Honor Society member, marching band member and a cheerleader. She battles juvenile diabetes, and ironically, she enjoys competitive cake decorating, her teacher said.

• Greg Jones, 12th grade, Fayetteville Christian School

He has been class president for four years, basketball team captain and has led student assemblies. He finds great challenges in his roles of leader in his church youth group and as a big brother for his little sister.

• Jeanne Frances Vockroth, 12th grade, Fayetteville High School

She moved from New Orleans to Fayetteville as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Teachers said they were impressed by her quiet confidence and impressive articulation.

She has adjusted to FHS and makes an impact in the art department, as well as with the literary magazine.

• Matt Shipp, 12th grade, Greenland High School

He is a highly decorated football player, receiving awards such as an All-State and All-District selection. Teachers said he is a kind-hearted, well-deserving young man.

• Evelyn Collins, 12th grade, Har-Ber High School

She is an active member of Future Farmers of America and plans to become an equine veterinarian. Teachers said she demonstrates a great love for animals and a passion for helping others.

She helps other students with their assignments and continues to take leadership roles.

• Lauren Allen, 12th grade, Lincoln High School

She attended the FFA convention for two years as a member of the poultry judging team and has won several awards. During the summer of 2007, she helped save people who were on a sinking pontoon boat by transporting them on her jet ski.

• David Lee Johnson, 12th grade, Prairie Grove High School

Teachers said it was a hard year for David, but that didn't stop him from maintaining a job and training for a career in airplane repair. His younger brother was involved in an accident, and his best friend from elementary school died from multiple sclerosis.

• Jennifer Garcia, 12th grade, Springdale High School

She is a senior in the medical academy, and faculty said she is an outstanding student in academics, sports and leadership. She was a member of the Lady Bulldog basketball team until her senior year. Her mother has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, and Jennifer has readjusted her role as daughter. She quit basketball and is working more hours to contribute to the family income.

• Shelby Miller, 12th grade, West Fork High School

She has nothing but A's in her high school transcript, and is currently ranked No. 1 in her class. Teachers said her high level of commitment is extraordinary. She is vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and more.

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