For the fourth and final nomination period of 2011, the Mayor’s Youth Commission awarded six individual awards to outstanding youth from the Kenosha community.

The Youth Commission selected these individuals based on their outstanding personal achievements and positive contributions to the Kenosha community. This program is designed to fill the gap in the availability of awards for youth and young adults in Kenosha. The Mayor’s Youth Commission created the program to recognize our city’s youth for the important contributions they make.

Nomination forms can be obtained at the Mayor’s office, Room 300, at the Municipal Building, or on the Internet at www.kenosha.org.

At the Nov. 7 Common Council meeting, five youth award winners in eighth grade and higher were invited to attend a council meeting and be presented with their award.

These students include (info from a city press release):

Tori Duhame, a Senior at Bradford High School, was nominated by her teacher, Patricia Bytnar, for showing dedication and motivation to become a great parent and role model for her 8-month-old son. Her academic performance, as well as her ability to take an unexpected pregnancy and use it as a learning experience and an opportunity to become a positive role model for her child is definitely worth recognizing.

Megan Jekot, a Senior at St. Joseph Catholic Academy, was nominated by her teacher and counselor, Claudia Burns, for initiating and leading her school’s participation in the 2010 and 2011 Kenosha Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Awareness and Paint the Town Blue Campaigns. She helped to communicate the signs and effects of child abuse to over 450 middle school and high school students, as well as many other members of the community. She is being recognized for her continued and tireless dedication to Kenosha’s children, year after year.

Eric Lehrke, a Sophomore at Bradford High School, was nominated by his teacher, Ralph Annina, for his sincere devotion to helping others succeed. He is being recognized for his constant willingness to help fellow students with challenging classwork, his maintaining a 3.9 GPA in all honors classes, and his active participation in the Bradford Italian Club and Bowling Club.

Andrew McNair, a Senior at Tremper High School, was nominated by family friend, Karen Hohs, for his active participation in Tremper Student government, ability to maintain his high GPA while taking honors classes, as well as his achieving the high rank of Eagle Scout by building a meditation labyrinth at St. Anne’s Church. He is being recognized for his strong leadership and communication skills, as well as his willingness to help others, his “can-do” attitude, and tremendous participation in choir, Madrigals, Science Club, and Sign Language Club.

Robert Sepulveda, a Senior at Bradford High School, was nominated by Assistant Principal, Marsha Nelson, for his school spirit, athletic accomplishments, and his scholastic determination. Robert has maintained a schedule of honors courses, actively participated in Student Government, Homecoming Planning, and Talent Show Coordination. He shows intense school spirit by dressing up for the games and doing push-ups to celebrate all touchdowns. His athleticism is found in volleyball, hockey and tennis. He has brought home the USTA Singles Championship for three years straight.

As a part of the nomination process, youth award winners in 7 th grade and lower are mailed a congratulatory letter and a Certificate of Merit from the Mayor. The student receiving the letter and Certificate in the mail for this quarter is Eden Wember. Eden Wember, a fifth grader at Somers Elementary, was nominated by School Counselor, Tracy Stuckert, for her continuous acts of kindness and compassion for others. An example of this was last Spring when Eden won a brand new bicycle during the Sheriff’s Department Safety Poster Contest. Though she was very excited, the thought that there are children in our community with no bike kept nagging at her. Eden then donated the brand new bike back to Deputy Ray Rowe so it could be given to a child who had no bike. She is being recognized for her decision which reminds us that our greatest achievements can come from helping others.