Jackson EMC's Youth Citizenship Award recognizes a student committed
to improving the community through volunteerism.

Student volunteers give valuable time to make the lives of others better, and though volunteering often goes unnoticed, there is no more satisfying way to spend one's time. It is important for all citizens to recognize our community volunteers so we can thank them and learn from them.

The winner of this prestigious award will be one of Jackson EMC's delegates to the Washington Youth Tour, an event that provides more than 1,000 students from across the United States with the experience of a lifetime. The other delegate is selected by the Energy Bowl competition held in the fall of each year.

Along with an all-expense paid trip to our nation's capital, the winning student receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college, university or technical school of his or her choice. The student will also win a $1,000 grant to be distributed to the school or civic organization of his or her choice.

The 2009 Youth Citizenship Award Winner and Finalists

Clockwise from top left: John Dial, Daniel
Tilden, Hope Wooster, Christy Lyles,
Heather Styles

The results of the 2009 Youth Citizenship Award have been announced. We're pleased to present this year's winner and four finalists:

Winner - Heather Styles, Lakeview Academy
Runner-up - Christy Lyles, Grayson HS
Finalist - Hope Wooster, Greater Atlanta Christian School
Finalist - Daniel Tilden, Heritage Academy
Finalist - John Dial, Madison County

Styles performed over 3,200 hours of community service during her high school years.  Some of her volunteer activities include organizing the renovations of a men’s homeless shelter through the Cyworld Community Grant Challenge project; coordinating community events and projects through Student Government and Key Club; mentoring children through Kid Jam, Mission Friends and Vacation Bible School; and volunteering at Challenged Child & Friends, just to name some of the organizations and activities that Heather has served.

Congratulations to this year's winner and finalists and thank you to everyone who entered this year.

How to Enter

• The 2009 entry deadline has passed. For more information, please contact Kay Parks at kparks@jacksonemc.com.

Requirements for Participation

• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Include a letter of recommendation from a club/organization sponsor where you have volunteered
• Be a junior or senior in high school and 16 years old by June 5, 2009
• Student cannot be taking college classes in summer of 2009.
• Students interested in the Governor's Honors Program may have a schedule conflict with the Washington Youth Tour.
• Attend a high school in Jackson EMC's service territory. (Student does not have to be a member.)

Jackson EMC employees will review all applications, and a panel of community volunteers and employees will then interview five finalists to determine the winner.

Students may volunteer in the community via a school organization or civic organization, but bettering the community must be a key part of the activity.