Meet the 2008 Youth Citizenship Award Winner

In less than four years, Kameon Prather racked up nearly 5,000 hours of community service. Why? In his words, "Be the change you wish to see in others." Putting these words into action in 17 organizations throughout his high school career, Prather earned the 2008 Youth Citizenship Award scholarship of $2,000, along with a $1,000 grant for the organization of his choice and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the Washington Youth Tour.

Prather believes his volunteerism provides a twofold purpose, paving the way for him to serve others while also developing his leadership skills. Working with a friend, Prather co-founded the FUSE Leadership Team for his high school. "I wanted to ignite change in North Gwinnett High School. FUSE's mission focuses on developing student leaders through awakening their passion for leadership and desire for school improvement. We challenge the ordinary and fill the need for student-led improvement," says Prather. FUSE performs community service projects throughout Gwinnett and helps students develop their skill sets.

Prather, son of Charles and Voranda Prather of Sugar Hill, plans to attend the University of Georgia majoring in business management with concentrations in leadership and service and personal and organizational leadership. Prather believes volunteering will be as prevalent in his college career as it is in high school. "I want to impact my future community as a leader of service who challenged, cultivated and encouraged others to be servant leaders themselves. This attitude will faithfully help create a solid cultural environment conducive to developing the leadership potential in all students in various facets."

More than 60 students applied for the Youth Citizenship Award. The five finalists together had an impressive 10,000+ hours of community service. Randall Pugh, Jackson EMC president/CEO, says the commitment displayed by all the students speaks to the cooperative value system. "One of the seven cooperative principles is commitment to community. Honoring students who sacrifice their personal time to serve others shows that community service isn't age related. Our young citizens have led by example in showing that everyone can make a difference, no matter how large or small the act. We're proud of all of this year's applicants, and encourage even more to participate in next year's competition."

Meet the Youth Citizenship Award Finalists

	Kameon Prather (winner) North Gwinnett High School Senior Parents: Charles and Voranda Prather, Sugar Hill     "I want to impact my future community as a leader of service who challenged, cultivated and encouraged others to be servant leaders themselves."     Organizations: NGHS Student Government Association, mentor, group leader FUSE Leadership Team, co-founder, chief officer Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Inc./Gwinnett Youth Leadership, Leadership Development Intern and Ambassador for School and Community Improvement for Gwinnett County Student Mentoring, group leader and head lesson planner NGHS Bulldog Ambassadors, co-lead coordinator Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, Ambassador for NGHS leadership programming and community service NGHS Homecoming Formal Committee, Activity Coordinator "In a Split Second" Teenage Driving Safety Simulation, Coordinator Summer Youth North Gwinnett, coach/counselor Trick or Treat for Cans, neighborhood captain Operation Drive Smart, coordinator NGHS Movies on the Lawn, coordinator NGHS Homecoming Pep Rally, coordinator Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, member Leadership for Teens, Lead coordinator, facilitator, teacher, lesson creator Youth Leadership Summit, event coordinator, facilitator
	Joshua Barnett (runner-up) East Jackson Comprehensive High School Senior Parents:  James and Tammy Barnett, Nicholson     "Creating a better, more complete society is at the root of my volunteerism efforts – the benefits volunteering provides to any community cannot be surpassed by any other citizen involvement."     Organizations: Oconee River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Treasurer, Director of Communications/Conservation Keep Jackson County Beautiful, Board of Directors Friends of the Harold S. Swindle Public Library, Board of Directors, Chairman of Fundraising and Membership Committees Adopt-A-Road project, Beta Club member 2008 Leap into Literacy Spelling Bee, Event program designer, coordinator of photography Jackson County Special Olympics, mentor Boy Scots Advance-A-Rama, fly-fishing instructor Outdoor Adventure Day, mentor Better Hometown Jefferson, volunteer Jefferson Area Business Association, member Bring One for the Chipper, volunteer
	William "David" Collister II Brookwood High School Senior Parent: William Keith and Jacqueline Collister, Lawrenceville     "You never can tell what type of impact you may make on another's life by your actions or lack of actions. So, when you do something to help one person, in return, you are actually helping many more."     Organizations: Magic Castle Pre School Reading Program, founder Camp Brave Heart Camp, Tai Kwon Do Program organizer Community tutoring and mentoring A Helping Hand elderly assistance program, volunteer Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, team captain
	Pretty Jose Dacula High School Senior Parents: Pappy and Annamma Jose, Lawrenceville     "For me, service is looking through the eyes of compassion at the needs of the world, and doing something about it, whether in a simple or a great way."     Organizations: MDA Fundraiser, Trick or Treat for UNICEF, Elementary School Festivals (Key Club projects), President Festivals, Bingo at Nursing Home, Serving Teachers, Rent-A-Beta, Community Partnerships, Elementary School Programs (Beta Club projects), member Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, March of Dimes, Partnership (National Honor Society projects), member Russell Ridge Animal Hospital, volunteer Collins Hill and Dacula Libraries, reading program volunteer Church Vacation Bible School leader, choreographer, teacher's assistant, member
	Kenneth "Branson" Simmons Banks County High School Senior Parent: Kenneth Simmons, Baldwin     "No single individual can change the world, but everyone can make a difference. It's these differences that influence the future, define the past and transform the present."     Organizations: Hyder Bridge Restoration Project (FBLA project), President High School Courtyard Renovation (FFA project), Vice-president Nursing Home Visitations, Leatherwood Baptist Church member Canned Food and Toy Drives (BETA Club project), President Peer Tutoring, volunteer Christmas Visitation and Caroling, Ridgeway Baptist Church volunteer