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Ten Outstanding Teen Volunteers Recognized for Preventing Birth Defects
WHITE PLAINS, NY, SEPT. 26, 2001 – Ten college freshmen, whose contributions during their high school years helped save babies and prevent birth defects, have been named 2001 March of Dimes Youth Leadership Scholars. The honored students will each receive a $2,500 college scholarship.
"These young leaders demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the March of Dimes goal to help prevent birth defects and infant mortality," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, the organization’s president. "They exemplify service and leadership in their communities, helping to give every child a healthy start in life."
"This is such an important age group for the March of Dimes to reach," she added. "Today’s high school and college students will be the parents of the next generation. If they understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and know the steps everyone can take to improve the chances of having a healthy baby, we could see a significant decrease in the rates of prematurity, low birthweight and infant mortality over the next 10 to 20 years."
The recipients were chosen from more than three hundred applicants. They are:
- Amandaa K. Bostick, Gainesville, FL - Roanoke College, VA;
- Diane Dalo, Bensalem, PA. - The College of New Jersey;
- Abigail Dineros, San Diego, CA - Cornell University, NY;
- Daniel Ellmanm, Bloomfield Hills, MI - Northwestern University, IL;
- Kyla Mocharnuk, Melbourne, FL - Ursinus College, PA;
- Kelsey Reigner, La Mesa, CA - University of Arizona, AZ;
- Andrea Rheinhart, Bettendorf, IA - Iowa State University, IA;
- Sarah Reido, Englewood, CO - Boston University, MA;
- Joah Spearman, Harker Heights, TX - University of Texas at Austin, TX;
- Scott Wintner, Pepper, OH - Boston University, MA.
Most of this year’s recipients have been involved in fund raising and education activities for the March of Dimes, or have participated in its Chain Reaction Youth Leadership Program. The Chain Reaction program, designed for high school students, provides a meaningful learning opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, educate their peers about adopting a healthy lifestyle early in life and help raise funds to insure the health of future babies.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services education, and advocacy to save babies. For more information about Chain Reaction and the scholarship program, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.
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