2005 All-Star Youth Winners

Jennifer Crouse - Harrington, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 21, 2005
Jennifer, 16, is the daughter of Doug and Karen Crouse, and, in September, will be starting her senior year at Lake Forest High School. Jennifer exemplifies the word "VOLUNTEER" and has played a strong leadership role. She has been a Class Officer and will be Treasurer in her senior year, is a member of the Business Professionals Association and is currently the State President for BPA, President of the Student Council, the school newspaper, works at the school bookstore, is the Boy's Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball and Baseball Manager and Boy's Varsity Football Manager, is Assistant to the Athletic Director, is a member of the Student Athletic Training Team, a member of FFA, and a member of FCCLA and on top of all of these responsibilities is an Honor Roll student. As far as in her community, Jennifer volunteers over 500 hours a year in various capacities. With her busy schedule she continues to maintain excellent grades in school. Jennifer doesn't hesitate to lend a helping hand whenever and where ever needed.

Kayla Martell - Milford, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 22, 2005
Kayla, 16, is the daughter of Ron and Rhonda Martell and is currently attending Dover High School, where she is and Honor Roll student and will be graduating a full year early. Kayla epitomizes the word ³VOLUNTEER². Kayla is the State of Delaware winner, at the high school level, of the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Award Program (this was out of approximately 20,000 applications submitted by youth volunteers). Along with a number of awards Kayla received, she enjoyed an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., where she attended the 10th annual award ceremony. Kayla has dedicated more then 2,000 hours of community service over the past 5 years to training Œat-risk youth' and others about the hazards of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. This was a heart-felt mission by Kayla driven by the loss of a fellow student who died of a drug-overdose in 6th grade. After becoming a certified peer educator Kayla began her work in educating young people about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. She has also been instrumental in developing a Youth Advisory Council to work on drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programs within her community. Kayla has been a strong advocate of these programs as demonstrated by her efforts in searching for financial grants to support the programs, giving speeches, writing articles and much more. Approximately 100 people have been trained to follow in her footsteps so the program will continue to grow. This is not the only volunteer work Kayla in involved in. Kayla was instrumental in writing the grant for the funds needed to support the Calvary United Methodist soup kitchen, for 4-H throughout the state, she is a tutor within her school, and teaches dancing at the Dover Air Force Base after school.

Greg Sweeney - Wilmington, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 23, 2005
Greg, 17, is the son of Kathy Canavan and John Sweeney and is a recent graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington. Greg is a member of Boy Scout Troop 342 in Wilmington and is an Eagle Scout, Class of 2003. When he was 12 he started a Cub Scout Pack for homeless boys ages 7 ­ 11 who live in shelters in Wilmington. Cub Scout Pack 506 is now in its 5th year and is the only Cub Scout Pack for homeless boys on the East Coast. Four years ago, Greg searched out and found a sponsor ­ The Ministry of Caring. He spent countless hours organizing the Pack. Greg, along with help from 2 other Scouts, took on the tasks of working directly with the boys...teaching them things like tying knots, how to properly handle and carry the United States flag, they learned how to use tools, and taught them cursive to sign thank you letters. They took the scouts to play one-on-one basketball with the University of Delaware team, took them to a concert, they met a boxer who fought Mike Tyson, help provide State Testing tutoring, and managed to get the cubs to summer camp. Greg received such appreciation from the mother's of these young Cub Scouts; however there were still issues with transportation. Finally after many phone calls and 3 years of a very slim budget ($500 a year), Greg's prayers were answered. A call from the Lynn & Foster Friess Family Foundation representative has now provided funds for transportation on a regular basis. Greg received additional funding from former Insurance Commissioner, Donna Lee Williams. Success breeds success ­ 2 new scout leaders and 2 new boys have joined Pack 506 along with one of the original leaders has returned. Pack 506 is going strong as 7 Scouts (out of the 16) advanced into a local Boy Scout Troop.

Andrew Feeley - Newark, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 24, 2005
Andrew, 16, is the son of Jim and Barbara Feeley and will be a Junior at the Delaware Military Academy in September. How many buglers do you think there are in the United States? There are about 3,000...and Andrew Feeley is one of them. Andrew has been recognized as a Volunteer Youth of the Year by the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a fraternal organization for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial is a Fortune 500 company and the this year honored youth in an effort to encourage their participation and commitment to their community. This is not a problem for Andrew, as a bugler, he is very committed to playing taps at veteran's memorial services, Flag Day or when ever asked. Andrew has just reached a milestone in his bugling caree...he played his 50th event. A true sense of duty and honor, as well as giving to his community, is demonstrated by Andrew. He is a chief petty-officer in the Navy Junior ROTC program at the Delaware Military Academy where he is an Honor Roll student. He also volunteered to help flood victims in Glenville in September 2003 and has donated 120 hours of service (including janitorial) to his school.

Nicholas Perkowski - Dover, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 25, 2005
Nicholas, 13, is the son of Steven and Stephanie Perkowski and will begin his freshman year at Poly Tech High School in September. While attending Central Middle School in Dover, Nicholas was an Honor Roll student. A true entrepreneur with a keen mind and business savvy to turn a good idea into a profitable business. At the ripe old age of 9, Nicholas had a pretty good lawn care business going. So at the much older age of 13 he turned his attention to the stock market and became John Deere's youngest stockholder. As Nicholas is quoted saying "I already owned a John Deere, now I own a piece of John Deere" - from his first share to now owning 6 shares in John Deere and New Holland. Nicholas purchased his first John Deere from Taylor and Messick Farm Machinery in Harrington and his loyalty to this brand name grew as he added more John Deere equipment to his business inventory. Nicholas credits his father with pushing him to follow his dreams and reach his goals. Mr. Perkowski has tried to instill in Nicholas that you have to go out and work for what you want...it's not just going to be given to you. Nicholas continues to learn the ups and downs of running a business and how to interact with people of all walks of life.

Ryan Albert - Greenwood, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 26, 2005
Ryan, 16, is the son of Mark and Donna Albert and is a sophomore at Milford High School. Ryan was selected to represent the Milford Boys and Girls Club in the 2005 Delaware Youth of the Year competition. Ryan was a member of the Milford Boys and Girls Club back in 1997 and when he returned in September of 2004 it was as a staff member. According to Director Maria Edgerton, he is an outstanding mentor to the youth; he gets along well with the youth and the staff, and is a good kid. Ryan works at the club in the evening...5 days a week. His duties include mentoring the kids, running the arts and crafts program, and running the anti-tobacco program. He is quoted as saying "I was once getting the help and now I'm the one giving the help". He has been innovative with creating several programs for the center, especially for the anti-tobacco campaigns to help teach young people about the dangers of tobacco. Following graduation, Ryan hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and become a Delaware State Trooper.

Brandon Morris - Wyoming, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 27, 2005
Brandon, 16, is the son of Wayne and Dee Fields and currently attends Poly Tech High School, starting his senior year in September. Words that would best describe Brandon would be: energetic, entrepreneur, funny, gets along with people of all ages, gentle and caring. At the young age of 14 Brandon started his own business: Morris' Design and Graphics (M.D.G.) which supplies vinyl graphics to customers not only in Delaware but throughout Maryland, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He is an avid go-kart driver for Team Morris POWER Racing Engines. Winning such events as the Junior II in Kersaw, South Carolina, the Junior III Track Champion at Kitts Hummock, Delaware, the Dirt Division Junior III Champion at Delmar, Milford's Grand Prix Animal Class winner and Brandon finished 7th in the nation in 2 classes in the Gold Cup Sprint Series as a rookie driver. Brandon is the only driver in the history of Fairlane Acres Speedway at Kitts Hummock to win at least one feature in all 6 adult classes. Brandon stays focused on whatever he is doing... racing, working in his business or in school as he maintains an honor roll status. His uncanny respect for people of all ages is his shining light and it is returned by everyone he meets.

Stephanie Ewell - Millsboro, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 28, 2005
Stephanie, 17, is the daughter of Gary and Loretta Ewell and will be a senior at Sussex Central High School starting in September. The United States Achievement Academy has recognized Stephanie as a National Award Winner in History and Government. This award is a prestigious honor very few students can ever hope to attain. In fact the academy recognizes fewer then 10% of all American high school students, and Stephanie will appear in the United States Achievement Academy Official Yearbook. The selection criteria is based on the student's academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, overall attitude, dependability and cooperative spirit, along with a recommendation from a teacher. Stephanie is ranked in the top 10% of her class of 256. As a high honor roll student she is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of "Who's Who" Among American High School students for the second year, and a member of the "People to People". The "People to People" program founded by Dwight D. Eisenhower. Stephanie was the 2004 Youth Ambassador, spending time in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. She is the 2005 Youth Ambassador and will be traveling to France, Italy and Malta this summer in an effort to promote the values of the program. Stephanie has also participated in dance for 12 years and is an active member of the Girl's Varsity Soccer Team.

Julie Macklin - Georgetown, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 29, 2005
Julie, 18, is the daughter of Greg and Kathy Macklin and is a recent graduate of Sussex Central High School, where she was also an Honor Roll student. If you want to find Julie the first place you should look is at the pool. Julie was a member of the Sussex Central swim team and the Mid-Delmarva YMCA swim team. Julie finished in the top 10 in state meets, competed in the YMCA Nationals three times and placed in the top 40 in the country. Julie also holds 8 of the 11 swimming records held by Sussex Central and this year finished 2nd in the State meetings in the 50 meter freestyle. However a few years ago Julie thought her swimming days were over. In an effort to battle scoliosis, the doctor's fused 2 of her vertebrae and put rods in her back. They told her they did not think she would be able to swim again and if she did it certainly would not be at the level she was. Julie's love of swimming, her perseverance and dedication to her team helped prove the doctor's wrong. Just 6 months after her surgery she started competing again. Coach Bob George knew Julie was not a quitter so he was not surprised by her comeback. Everyone knows that Julie has a strong work ethic...everything she does she puts so much effort into. Julie was so impressed with the nursing staff that helped her during her recovery she has decided that she would like to become a nurse. According to her teachers Julie is a perfect match for nursing...she is gentle and quiet and has a way about her to help calm people down.

Josh Lukaszewicz - New Castle, DE
All-Star Youth of the Day: July 30, 2005
Josh, 13, is the son of Jacqueline and Mark Lukaszewicz and attends Our Lady of Fatima, where he is also an Alter Server. If you look at Josh he looks like the typical teenager, loves computers and playing Play station. Josh also loves to ice skate and is a member of the youth ice hockey team at the University of Delaware. Hanging around with Josh you will notice that his diet is very different from the average teenager...things like Jell-O, plain turkey sandwiches, and unsweetened applesauce. Why? Josh has been battling Crohn's disease since he was 2 years old. Josh has become all too familiar with taking 82 pills a week, intravenous infusions, stomach cramps, doctor appointments, colonoscopies and much more. Josh has shared good times with kindred spirits at Camp Guts & Glory and has matured beyond his years. Taking a closer look you will see that Josh reflects a sure-footed self-knowledge...something learned the hard way over the years. Josh was named Captain of his soccer team however a recent medical setback has allowed him, along with support from his parents, to redirect his energy to other interests...learning to play the drums! Along with mastering the art of putting together jigsaw puzzles, Josh will be able to keep himself busy this summer! Josh's perseverance, in the face of overwhelming challenges and obstacles, is remarkable. Josh is hopeful that the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America will develop a cure so that in the near future he will be able to enjoy life in a slightly different manner...eating pizza, salad, popcorn, and other stuff. Josh has just recently been named the 2006 Ambassador for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. This makes Josh the youngest and the first male to hold this position. Josh is always willing to help others first and himself last.