In addition to being the first school in Jackson EMC's Sun Power for Schools Program, Mill Creek has another reason to celebrate.

Mill Creek senior Lyndsey Peterson won the Youth Citizenship Award, bringing home a Palm handheld organizer, a $1,000 college scholarship, a $1,000 grant to the charity of her choice and a delegate position on the Washington Youth Tour.

Held March 23, the finalists' competition concluded with an interview before a panel of judges. With strong contenders in the running, Peterson walked away a winner that night and says her commitment to community is more than competition; it's something she loves. "I personally volunteer because I love the feeling I get when I help someone or do something good and worthwhile," says Peterson. Peterson is an active member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Key Club president, Senior Class president, a cheerleader and member of a church youth group.

Thirty applicants applied for the 2006 Youth Citizenship Award. From that list, five competed in the finalist round. The finalists included Jessica Marie Carrick, a senior at R.W. Johnson High School in Gainesville; Andrea Hartlage, a junior at Grayson High School in Grayson; Jasmin Patel, a junior at Athens Academy in Athens; and Danielle Simms, a senior at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross. All contestants are to be commended for their commitment to their communities. Jackson EMC is proud to honor these young citizens working diligently to make their communities a better place.

Jessica Marie Carrick	Andrea Hartlage	Jasmin Patel	Danielle Simms