2009 Gateway Young Achiever students announced

Seven metro-area elementary and middle school kids have been named 2009 Gateway Young Achievers.

The awards were made to elementary and middle school students to celebrate their outstanding achievements both at their schools and in their communities.

The 2009 Achievers from area elementary and middle schools:

In addition, high school students also received similar awards.

This is the 19th year of the Young Achievers program, which is sponsored by the International Leadership Network. The awards program is supported by the Millstone Foundation of St. Louis.

The finalists will receive a star award and a $1,000 savings bond. The local winners also will be entered in the International Young Achievers competition.

The seven elementary and middle school Achievers, along with the high school awardees, were honored at a breakfast on Friday, May 1, at the St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel.

(Young Saint Louis.com has covered the Young Achievers program for several years. In addition to this 2009 YA article, YSL.com will profile all the elementary and middle school winners. The first profile will be in our June edition.)

The following are brief sketches and pictures of the 2008 elementary and middle school winners:

Nate Balducci, an 8th grader at St. Vincent de Paul School in Marthasville. The Warren County kid is president of the student council and participates in basketball. He also plays drums in the Junior High honor band. A peer mediator, Nate attended the People to People Leadership Forum in Washington, DC.

 

Hannah Braunseis, a 5th grader at Smithton Elementary School in Smithton, IL. An outstanding student, Hannah is active in band, student council and 4-H.

 

 

Colten Conroy, an 8th grader at St. John the Baptist-Gildehaus School in Villa Ridge, MO. The Franklin County kid is an honor roll student, a basketball player and Student Appreciation Award winner. Colten was a People to People Leadership Forum participant. He also volunteers in many parish and school activities.

 

Jack Harris, a 7th grader at Crestview Middle School in Chesterfield. He has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA while enrolled in all challenge level courses. He finished first of 67 participants in the 2008 St. Louis Gateway Tennis League and currently is first of 91 participants in the 2009 League. His baseball team won the Missouri state championship and finished third in the USSSA World Series. He has raised money for Malaria No More, volunteered to help kindergarten kids and been nominated for "Do the Right Thing."

Channing Hunter is an 8th grader at Governor French Academy in Bellville, IL. He has won awards for chess, music and poetry. Channing also is a Black Belt in karate.

 

 

Olivia C. Martin, a 6th grader at City Academy. She loves math and science and is a Student Ambassador. She's active member in Chess Club, Double Dutch Club, Girls on the Run, Stages, Model UN, Junior Achievement, 2008 Brain Games, Dance for Dogs and Shoes for El Salvador. Olivia has completed a technology certificate at Florissant valley Community College and the Science Center's Family Med School Basics. She is a member of Yele, a West African dance company, and has performed in Black Repertory Theater productions.

Kyle Sottoriva is an 8th grader at Carlinville Middle School. The Illinois youngster is an honor roll student who has represented his school in many state and national conferences. He is an active volunteer in Macoupin County programs. He also is a shot-putter and discus thrower in track and also plays the saxophone.