Local 2003 Young Achievers of Year selected

Twelve metro St. Louis area kids have been named 2003 Gateway Young Achievers of the Year. The young people are honored for their accomplishments in the community and schools.

Four of the 2003 Achiever awards go to elementary school kids, four to middle schoolers and four to students in high school.

The 12 Gateway Achievers are:

Elementary school (grades 1-6):

• Kristen Delia of O'Fallon, Ill.
• Alexander Eklund of Wildwood, Mo.
• Julia Epplin-Zapf of St. Louis
• Logan North of St. Charles, Mo.

Middle school (grades 7-9):

• Lydia Bishop of Fairview Heights, Ill.
• Meghan Boitnott of St. Charles, Mo.
• Mark Council of Edwardsville, Ill.
• Ryan Nikodern of St. Louis.

High school (grades 10-12):

• Carl Allendorph of Godfrey, Ill.
• Alex Gavenda of Wildwood, Mo.
• Jennifer James of St. Louis
• Lacey Seiffertt of St. Louis

Each of the 12 Achievers wins a $1,000 savings bond. They also are entered in the national Achiever competition.

The award ceremony was to be held Sunday, May 4, to honor the 12 Achievers. In addition, 50 other kids were named medallion winners. The medallion winners receive $50 gift certificates.

The Achievers were picked after all medallion awardees were given personal interviews.

Over 500 nominations were judged in the 2003 competition.

Barbara Eichhorst heads the local office of the International Leadership Network. The ILN sponsors the Young Achievers of the Year program. The local Gateway program is made possible by support of the Millstone Foundation of St. Louis.

Here are thumbnail sketches of the four elementary and four middle school 2003 Achievers. (In the coming months, Young Saint Louis.com will feature individual profiles of the elementary and middle school 2003 Achievers.)

(For more information about the Achievers program, call (314) 961-5978 or log on to www.iln-gateway.org)

Elementary school winners:

* Kristen Delia of St. Clare School in O'Fallon, Ill.:

Kristen is a 6th grader and a Student Council board member. A high honor roll student, she received a first place in the Greater Belleville Area Science Fair. She also had the highest score in her grade in the National Social Studies Olympiad. She's a Level-6 gymnast on the Midwest Twisters team. She's been a member of St. Clare's soccer team since 1st grade.

* Alexander Eklund of Babler Elementary in Wildwood, Mo.:

A 4th grader, Alex participates in the district's Creative Learning Center for accelerated students. He's received a number of science and physical fitness awards. A Boy Scout, Alex earned 13 of 20 Webelos pins in his first year. He also started his own company, ACE Birdhousing Co., to raise money for his baseball camp tuition. He's a catcher on his baseball team and also has acted in several plays.

* Julia Epplin-Zapf of Kennard Classical Junior Academy of St. Louis:

Julia is a 3rd grade honor student. She's a science fair winner and has received many certificates of merit. She's a student council representative. Julia also is a member of the Kennard Chess Tigers, French Club and Advanced Mathematics group. She participates in synchronized swimming and gymnastics. Also, she is a Girl Scout and plays the piano.

* Logan North of Harvest Ridge Elementary of St. Charles, Mo.:

Logan is a 5th grader. He participates in his student council, choir, intramurals and safety patrol. He's also received awards for music, art, reading, citizenship and Science Fair District competition. Logan has received three Presidential Physical Fitness awards and the Holly Huntington Trophy from USA Track and Field. He's a Show-Me Games record holder and an AAU Olympic Games medalist.

Middle school winners:

* Lydia Bishop of Pontiac Junior High in Fairview Heights, Ill.:

Lydia is an 8th grader and president of her school's Student Council. She's a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Academic All Stars. She also has received an Optimist Student of the Month award. Lydia is a member of the school's softball and basketball teams and on the cheerleading squad. She serves as a peer mentor and tutor. She also volunteers at the Belleville Christian Center, the Women's Crisis Center and at her church.

* Meghan Boitnott of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Charles, Mo.:

Meghan is a 7th grade honor student. She is a member of student council and the speech and debate clubs. She is goalie for the Gateway Strikers soccer team. Meghan was honored for her fund-raising efforts for Friends of Kids with Cancer. She participates in dance and music and has been in many school and community theater productions.

* Mark Council of Edwardsville Middle in Edwardsville, Ill.:

Mark is an 8th grade honor student and has received numerous math and science awards. He has over 20 first place medals for tuba and piano in both regional and state music competitions. Mark is a peer tutor and participates in the Young Authors Assn. and math team. He's on the Wildcats football and wrestling teams and in both marching and symphonic bands. He volunteers at his church and in the community.

* Ryan Nikodern of Chaminade in St. Louis:

A 7th grader, Ryan is an honor student and a student council representative. He's been recognized as an outstanding student who demonstrates leadership, maturity and sportsmanship. He's been a Student of the Month award winner. He's also received awards for charity, speech, academic scholarship and sportsmanship. He participates in soccer, tennis, swimming and golf. Ryan also volunteers in church and community affairs.