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International Montana's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in National Awards Program
International Montana's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in National Awards Program 
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| Montana's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in National Awards Program |
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Montana’s Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in
11th Annual national Awards Program April 2006 Nicholas Schwaderer, 17, of Superior and Ian Lucy, 14, of Hamilton were recently named Montana's top two youth volunteers for 2006 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program, now in its 11th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Nicholas, a member of the Mineral County 4-H and a senior at St. Regis High School in St. Regis, built an FM radio station at his school that has become an important source of news and entertainment for the small community of St. Regis. When Nicholas learned that his school had old radio equipment in storage and an FCC permit about to expire, he decided to put his lifelong interest in broadcasting to work. "My school had tried to set up a radio station several years ago, but to no avail," He explained. Nicholas struggled for weeks trying to figure out how to set up the equipment, and then found a radio station manager nearby who could help him. After four months and help from school officials, he finally succeeded in broadcasting a clear transmission to the school's parking lot. He then spent several months compiling a 4,5000-song database, creating playlists, installing software and making other preparations, before launching the new station full-time in January 2005. The entire town can now tune in to the lo- power KTGC 24 hours a day, seven days a week and hear commercial-free music with regular community and school news reports. Ian, an eighth-grader at Hamilton Middle School, produces quarterly videos of local events and scenery to share with community members who are homebound or ill. Ian inaugurated his video project when he saw how difficult it was for his grandmother to participate in community activities after she became ill. "If Gram had something like that it could make her life more complete and happier, and people in my community might feel the same," Ian Said. "I feel any effort that makes people feel included is important." Ian checks local newspapers for community events that might be suitable for filming, and keeps his family’s video camera charged and loaded for sudden, unexpected opportunities "such as a baby moose in someone's backyard." he said. After editing his footage, Ian adds narration, makes copies and then loans video tapes to local groups and to individuals who are unable to attend community events or go outdoors due to illness or physical disability. In addition , the Awards Program judges recognized two other Montana students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities: Allison Mullin, 17, of Stevensville High School founded a nonprofit organization that has raised more than $1,500 so disadvantaged children can participant in extra-curricular school and community service activities; Lena Petersen, 18, a senior at Polson High School, initiated a teen volunteer program to help senior citizens continue to live independently in her community. |
