2017 Youth Salute Press Release
Press Release: Rotary Clubs Announce 2017 Youth Salute Awards
On April 4, The Rotary Club of Scottsdale, along with Paradise Valley Rotary Club, selected the 4 winners and 1 alternate to receive scholarships and trips to a Youth Salute Leadership Town Meeting on Tomorrow Conference held on October 21-24, 2017 at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Youth Salute is a recognition program for high school juniors who are leadership achievers. The program is designed to applaud young people who are good citizens, have at least a B grade point average, and have been elected to leadership positions by their peers, in their schools and or community organizations.
50 students from 11 different Scottsdale high schools who were interviewed on March 23rd. On April 4th, 12 semi-finalists were announced at a gathering at Scottsdale Community College. Each of the semi-finalists were given two minutes to answer a "final question" on stage. The final question was "do you believe newspapers and libraries are still needed and why?" After hearing each students remarks, the judges convened and selected four students and one alternate as the 2017 Scottsdale Youth Salute winners. Dr. Jan Gehler, President of Scottsdale Community College: Mary Blank, Rotary Club of Scottsdale Club President, and, Adam Evans, President of Paradise Valley Rotary Club were the evening's judges.
The 2017 Scottsdale Youth Salute winners are: Katherine Wick, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; Madison Sitkiewicz, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; Hannah Novack, Xavier College Preparatory; Jack Everroad, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; and an alternate, Serena Schein, Desert Mountain, High School, was named in case one of the four winners is unable to attend the Town Meeting on Tomorrow Conference. The remaining 7 finalists were: Sarah Perleberg, Saguaro High School; Vilina Mehta, BASIS Scottsdale; Andrew Madden, Chaparral High School; Francesca Galasso, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; Max McCauley, Arcadia High School; Kathryn Robinson, Desert Mountain High School; and, Jacob Staudenmaier, Arcadia High School.
While the judges convened and shared notes, nationally recognized Coach John Avianantos was on hand as the evening's keynote speaker. At the event, special acknowledgement and gratitude was extended to the parents and school counselors for mentoring Scottsdale's teen leaders.
See www.scottsdalerotary.org or call 480-945-6158 to inquire about club meeting reservations, programs, meeting location, projects and membership for local active and retired business professionals.
Photos:
- 2017 Scottsdale Youth Salute Winners: Katherine Wick, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; Madison Sitkiewicz, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; Hannah Novack, Xavier College Preparatory; Jack Everroad, Scottsdale Preparatory Academy; and alternate, Serena Schein, Desert Mountain High School.
- Group shot of: Judges: Adam Evans, Dr. Jan Gehler, Mary Blank with 2017 Youth Salute Winners: Serena Schein, Madison Sitkiewicz, Jack Everroad, Hannah Novack and Katherine Wick; with Youth Salute Committee Co-Chairs: Mike Savastio and Sara Crosby-Hartman
- All 2017 Youth Salute candidates with their certificates of merit.
Note: Student photo release forms are on file.
Submitted by Dr. Honora Norton
