"Your Hub" Article dated Thursday, May 22, 2008
Middle School students named for statewide citizenship award
Story and Photos submitted by Evelyn Elfstrom
For 33 years, Colorado Youth Citizenship Award, Denver Chapter, has been recognizing approximately two students from each public middle school in Denver for outstanding citizenship in home, school and community. Honorees receive a banquet honoring their achievements, a certificate of merit, a guided tour and a U. S. Savings Bond provided by the Kiwanis Club of Denver.
This year in the Johnson and Wales banquet facilities April 26, President Jack Welch presided over 132 guests at red, white and blue decorated tables. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the invocation and the serving of dinner, guest speaker Representative Andrew Kerr Encouraged students to remain inquisitive, investigate for themselves and use that information to make their own decisions.
As awardees came on stage, Dr. Phil Moeller celebrated their achievements and board member David Squire presented the bonds as each left the stage.
Honorees were Carlos Balderrama and Jorge Chavez, of Bryant Webster Middle School; Morgan Craig and Ethan David of Grant Middle School; Kieu Phen and Ariana Robles, of Grant Middle School; Matthew Brown and Mohira Ashurova, of Hamilton Middle School; Katie Hilton and Jakeob Hernandez, of Henry Middle School; Nohemi Almaraz-Quinones, of Keptner Middle School; Ximena Guiterrez and Krystee Trejo, of Lake Middle School Demi McGaughy and Jahnette Epperson, of Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School; Asawar Alhilo and Troy Fangmeier, of Merrill Middle School; Marlene Palomar and Diana Vacio, of Rachel Noel Middle School; Beatrix Casillas-Retana and Elicia Dennis, of William Roberts Middle School; Bryan Garcia and Devina Muniz, of Skinner Middle School; Elizabeth Lindberg and Eleanor Lindberg, of Slavens Middle School; and Madison Duke and Austin Johnson, of Waller Middle School.
(see "Event Picture" Tab for group photo)
Four special awards were given for outstanding portfolios.
Other aboard members, Betty Valdez, Irma Mapelli, Evelyn Elfstrom, Harry Schanker and Stan Ames helped with the proceedings.