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By SIMON RIOS
Union Leader Correspondent
August 13. 2012 10:21PM

Chase Hughes is surrounded by young residents of Bajo Tejares, San Ramon, Costa Rica. Hughes served a humanitarian mission in Costa Rica as part of his Eagle Scout project for Troop 388. (COURTESY)

BEDFORD — Not many Boy Scouts achieve the honor of being an Eagle Scout. When Chase Hughes traveled to San Ramon, Costa Rica, to deliver hygiene kits to a Mormon mission there, he was on his way to achieving that lifelong goal.

“I want to be remembered as a hard worker and a good student and citizen,” said Hughes, 15, who will celebrate his new rank at the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manchester on Sunday.

Hughes, who will enter Trinity High School as a freshman this fall, said his favorite part of being a Scout was learning preparedness, wilderness survival and first aid.

A member of Bedford Boy Scout Troop 388, Hughes earned 38 merit badges — though just 21 are required — in addition to his service project. An Eagle Scout must pass through the six ranks and serve six months in a troop leadership position before being approved by the Eagle Scout review board.

Hughes plans to attend the Boy Scout National Jamboree in West Virginia next year, and aspires to advance to senior patrol leader. “I will continue to earn merit badges because they teach you life skills and help you become fluent in many areas of life,” he wrote in an email.

Humanitarian work will be central to Hughes’ future, he said. In 2000, the Hughes family started Color My World, a Bedford nonprofit organization centered around helping young people get involved in service work. He plans to remain active with the group, and encourage his friends to do the same.

“The pinnacle of Scouting for me is not really being an Eagle Scout, but what you do with your life after as a result of the program,” he said. In addition, he wants to work in aeronautics.

For Hughes, the hardest experience in Scouting came in the form of the yearly Klondike Derby, a camping trip in the middle of winter in the woods.

“It takes a lot of effort and time,” he said. “You have to be mentally prepared because you are freezing and usually wet. I know now I could probably really survive in an emergency situation.”

Hughes’ Eagle Scout project consisted of collecting and packing 150 hygiene kits, which he delivered to Faithful Servants Mission in Bajo Tejares, San Ramon, Costa Rica. The town is populated by impoverished Nicaraguan immigrants, largely marginalized by Costa Rican society. He worked with various local organizations — from the Bedford Little League to the Bedford Women’s Club to the Mormon church.

In June 2011, he traveled to Costa Rica, where he enjoyed bonding with the children on the basketball court.

With the money left over from his fundraising, Hughes bought sports equipment for the children in Bajo Tejares.

The Eagle Scout is proud to share the designation with such figures as President Gerald Ford, Neil Armstrong, Steven Spielberg and former FBI Director William Sessions — just a few of the more than 2 million Eagle badge recipients since 1912.

“Now, I feel a little more responsibility to give to others and make a difference in the life of someone,” Hughes wrote, offering a bit of wisdom to younger Scouts. “Go on as many campouts as you can and learn all of the advance skills taught to you — most of all have fun.”

According to the Boy Scouts of America, in 2011, 51,473 Scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout, or about 5 percent of Scouts.

Chase’s father, Brian Hughes, said he’s happy his son finished his Eagle early.

“We are encouraging him now to spend the next several years working on merit badges that will expose him to career opportunities, continue to work with his troop and develop leadership skills by working with younger Scouts.”

Hughes will be recognized in Court of Honor ceremonies on Aug. 19, at 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manchester.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

2012 Bedford VFW Scholarship recipients (l to r) Hannah Zeltner, Jennifer Hilchey, Linnea Hilchey, Robert Young Jr., Hillary Hughes, Sean Van Anglen, Stephanie Lamy, Alexa Pervanas.

The Richard K. Harvell Post 8401 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently awarded scholarships to 12 local students. Post Commander Gary Backus noted the academic and community service achievements, as well as the courses of study and future plans of the students, during the July 9 ceremony at the Bedford Old Town Hall.

The award recipients were Vanessa Rodanas, Linnea Hilchey, Jennifer Hilchey, Sean Van Anglen, Robert Young Jr., Robyn Keriazes, Kristina Pervanas, Alexa Pervanas, Stephanie Lamy, David Cummings, Hillary Hughes and Hannah Zeltner. More than 40 family members and post members gathered to honor the awardees.

The scholarship program was initiated in 1992 to honor the memory of past All State Post Commander George T. Wiggin and expanded in 2005 to also honor the memory of past All State Post Commander Margaret “Peggy” Rice, the first woman so honored in the New Hampshire VFW.

The scholarships are awarded to a child or grandchild of a post member, a veteran, or a Bedford resident. Since the program’s inception, the Bedford post has awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships and educational grants.

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Friday, July 6, 2012

img Courtesy photo. The Bedford Lions Club’s 42nd annual memorial scholarship program awarded two $1500 tuition scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who are Bedford residents. The awards are funded by a donation from former scholarship recipient and current businessman Gary Chartrand. Left to right: program co-chairman Ernie Henrichon, scholarship recipients Hannah Zeltner and Hillary Hughes, program co-chairman Tony Juliano.

The Bedford Lions Club’s 42nd annual memorial scholarship program awarded two $1500 tuition scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who are Bedford residents. The awards are funded by a donation from former scholarship recipient and current businessman Gary Chartrand. In photo, left to right, program co-Chairman Ernie Henrichon, scholarship recipients Hannah Zeltner and Hillary Hughes, and program co-Chairman Tony Juliano.

– See more at: http://www.cabinet.com/bedfordjournal/bedfordnews/966976-308/lions-club-awards-scholarships.html#sthash.9xc5d2gS.dpuf

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Mon May 2, 2011

Two New Hampshire students, Taylor Levesque, 17, of Manchester and Chase Hughes, 13, of Bedford, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon at the 16th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Taylor and Chase were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in New Hampshire last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.

“The Prudential Spirit of Community honorees have seen problems in their communities and around the world and have taken action,” said Ms. Sarandon. “Their compassion to help others should give us all a lot of hope for the future.”

Taylor, a senior at Trinity High School, raises money to buy books, games, toys, crafts, and writing supplies that she then distributes in small tote bags to hospitalized children in New Hampshire and other states. Taylor was motivated by the miserable time she had in the hospital following heart surgery a few years ago. “I was sore, bored, and felt isolated from the world,” she said. “I knew how horrible my experience was, and I wanted to make sure no one else would ever have to go through something so awful again.” She got the chance when she was given an assignment in a theology class to positively influence someone else’s life.

After brainstorming with her family, Taylor began contacting hospital pediatric wards to see if they would accept gift bags for young patients. Then she set about raising funds by holding bake sales and selling crafts at church gatherings, sending solicitation letters to local businesses, and applying for grants. When enough money had been collected, she went shopping for pens, crayons, coloring books, stuffed animals, puzzles, storybooks, and other small items that might cheer up a sick child. After packing her gifts into 80 tote bags and delivering them to a local hospital, Taylor realized she couldn’t stop, so she took her project, called “Project Share a Smile,” outside of school and created a website to solicit donations. She has since made deliveries to five more hospitals, and recently delivered her 240th gift bag. “I love to make people happy and improve their situations,” said Taylor. “It gives me unparalleled satisfaction.”

Chase, a homeschooled seventh-grader, directed a project that collected, packaged and distributed more than 2,000 hygiene kits for victims of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Chase is no stranger to volunteering. Since he was 4, he has been working with his family to provide humanitarian assistance to people around the world. Chase has helped send art and school supplies to needy children in Africa, raised money for local families in need, and prepared hygiene kits for victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Chase organized his family’s relief effort, setting an initial goal of 500 hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soaps and combs. As word of the project spread through social networking and media coverage, organizations such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs agreed to become partners, and schools, scout troops, businesses and individuals quickly embraced the cause, filling collection boxes all over New England and in other states as well. In the end, almost $17,000 worth of supplies were donated and shipped to the disaster areas in Haiti and Chile. Chase said his organization will continue to send help to the needy and not just during times of disaster. “It is a great thing to help pitch in and work for others,” he said.

“Taylor and Chase represent young Americans who have a strong sense of community and who are dedicated to improving our neighborhoods, our nation and our world,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “With great anticipation, we look forward to their future achievements as they continue to spread the spirit of community.”

More than 29,000 young people participated in the 2011 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 16 years ago by Prudential Financial to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models.

“The young women and men in America’s schools are nothing short of amazing, and nowhere is this more evident than amongst this year’s award recipients,” said NASSP President Jana Frieler. “They possess a keen intellect, servant hearts, capable leadership skills, and are filled with energy and ambition. NASSP and Prudential are honored to recognize them.”

More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.

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Mon May 2, 2011 2:01pm EDT
Academy Award-Winning Actress Susan Sarandon Pays Tribute to Young Heroes as Part of Four-Day Recognition Events
Two New Hampshire students, Taylor Levesque, 17, of Manchester and Chase Hughes, 13, of Bedford, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon at the 16th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Taylor and Chase were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in New Hampshire last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.

“The Prudential Spirit of Community honorees have seen problems in their communities and around the world and have taken action,” said Ms. Sarandon. “Their compassion to help others should give us all a lot of hope for the future.”

Taylor, a senior at Trinity High School, raises money to buy books, games, toys, crafts, and writing supplies that she then distributes in small tote bags to hospitalized children in New Hampshire and other states. Taylor was motivated by the miserable time she had in the hospital following heart surgery a few years ago. “I was sore, bored, and felt isolated from the world,” she said. “I knew how horrible my experience was, and I wanted to make sure no one else would ever have to go through something so awful again.” She got the chance when she was given an assignment in a theology class to positively influence someone else’s life.

After brainstorming with her family, Taylor began contacting hospital pediatric wards to see if they would accept gift bags for young patients. Then she set about raising funds by holding bake sales and selling crafts at church gatherings, sending solicitation letters to local businesses, and applying for grants. When enough money had been collected, she went shopping for pens, crayons, coloring books, stuffed animals, puzzles, storybooks, and other small items that might cheer up a sick child. After packing her gifts into 80 tote bags and delivering them to a local hospital, Taylor realized she couldn’t stop, so she took her project, called “Project Share a Smile,” outside of school and created a website to solicit donations. She has since made deliveries to five more hospitals, and recently delivered her 240th gift bag. “I love to make people happy and improve their situations,” said Taylor. “It gives me unparalleled satisfaction.”

Chase, a homeschooled seventh-grader, directed a project that collected, packaged and distributed more than 2,000 hygiene kits for victims of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Chase is no stranger to volunteering. Since he was 4, he has been working with his family to provide humanitarian assistance to people around the world. Chase has helped send art and school supplies to needy children in Africa, raised money for local families in need, and prepared hygiene kits for victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Chase organized his family’s relief effort, setting an initial goal of 500 hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soaps and combs. As word of the project spread through social networking and media coverage, organizations such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs agreed to become partners, and schools, scout troops, businesses and individuals quickly embraced the cause, filling collection boxes all over New England and in other states as well. In the end, almost $17,000 worth of supplies were donated and shipped to the disaster areas in Haiti and Chile. Chase said his organization will continue to send help to the needy and not just during times of disaster. “It is a great thing to help pitch in and work for others,” he said.

“Taylor and Chase represent young Americans who have a strong sense of community and who are dedicated to improving our neighborhoods, our nation and our world,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “With great anticipation, we look forward to their future achievements as they continue to spread the spirit of community.”

More than 29,000 young people participated in the 2011 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 16 years ago by Prudential Financial to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models.

“The young women and men in America’s schools are nothing short of amazing, and nowhere is this more evident than amongst this year’s award recipients,” said NASSP President Jana Frieler. “They possess a keen intellect, servant hearts, capable leadership skills, and are filled with energy and ambition. NASSP and Prudential are honored to recognize them.”

More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.

The post Two New Hampshire Youth Honored for Volunteerism at National Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C. appeared first on Color My World.

Two New Hampshire students, Taylor Levesque, 17, of Manchester and Chase Hughes, 13, of Bedford, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon at the 16th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Taylor and Chase were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in New Hampshire last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.

“The Prudential Spirit of Community honorees have seen problems in their communities and around the world and have taken action,” said Ms. Sarandon. “Their compassion to help others should give us all a lot of hope for the future.”

Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon congratulates Taylor Levesque, 17, of Manchester (center) and Chase Hughes, 13, of Bedford (right) on being named the top two youth volunteers in New Hampshire for 2011 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Taylor and Chase were honored at a ceremony Sunday night, May 1, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., where they each received a $1,000 award to be used towards future projects.

Taylor, a senior at Trinity High School, raises money to buy books, games, toys, crafts, and writing supplies that she then distributes in small tote bags to hospitalized children in New Hampshire and other states. Taylor was motivated by the miserable time she had in the hospital following heart surgery a few years ago. “I was sore, bored, and felt isolated from the world,” she said. “I knew how horrible my experience was, and I wanted to make sure no one else would ever have to go through something so awful again.” She got the chance when she was given an assignment in a theology class to positively influence someone else’s life.

After brainstorming with her family, Taylor began contacting hospital pediatric wards to see if they would accept gift bags for young patients. Then she set about raising funds by holding bake sales and selling crafts at church gatherings, sending solicitation letters to local businesses, and applying for grants. When enough money had been collected, she went shopping for pens, crayons, coloring books, stuffed animals, puzzles, storybooks, and other small items that might cheer up a sick child. After packing her gifts into 80 tote bags and delivering them to a local hospital, Taylor realized she couldn’t stop, so she took her project, called “Project Share a Smile,” outside of school and created a website to solicit donations. She has since made deliveries to five more hospitals, and recently delivered her 240th gift bag. “I love to make people happy and improve their situations,” said Taylor. “It gives me unparalleled satisfaction.”

Chase, a homeschooled seventh-grader, directed a project that collected, packaged and distributed more than 2,000 hygiene kits for victims of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Chase is no stranger to volunteering. Since he was 4, he has been working with his family to provide humanitarian assistance to people around the world. Chase has helped send art and school supplies to needy children in Africa, raised money for local families in need, and prepared hygiene kits for victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

After the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, Chase organized his family’s relief effort, setting an initial goal of 500 hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, soaps and combs. As word of the project spread through social networking and media coverage, organizations such as the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs agreed to become partners, and schools, scout troops, businesses and individuals quickly embraced the cause, filling collection boxes all over New England and in other states as well. In the end, almost $17,000 worth of supplies were donated and shipped to the disaster areas in Haiti and Chile. Chase said his organization will continue to send help to the needy and not just during times of disaster. “It is a great thing to help pitch in and work for others,” he said.

“Taylor and Chase represent young Americans who have a strong sense of community and who are dedicated to improving our neighborhoods, our nation and our world,” said John R. Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “With great anticipation, we look forward to their future achievements as they continue to spread the spirit of community.”

More than 29,000 young people participated in the 2011 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 16 years ago by Prudential Financial to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models.

“The young women and men in America’s schools are nothing short of amazing, and nowhere is this more evident than amongst this year’s award recipients,” said NASSP President Jana Frieler. “They possess a keen intellect, servant hearts, capable leadership skills, and are filled with energy and ambition. NASSP and Prudential are honored to recognize them.”

More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.

Originally appeared in the Union Leader

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What a humbling experience to prepare and serve food to some of the most down trodden in America.

After leaving Skid Row, I remember thinking “How does this even happen in America?”

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Twenty-three teenagers have been selected to receive the title of “2011 Nestlé Very Best In Youth” for their academic achievements and exceptional community service, ranging from humanitarian relief efforts to protecting endangered species. In its 14th year, the program recognizes young people who have demonstrated leadership and initiative to positively impact the world.

The Nestlé Very Best In Youth winners will be profiled in a book “Making a Difference Today for a Better Tomorrow,” which will be distributed to schools and community organizations in the U.S. Additionally, each teen will receive $1,000 to contribute to a charity or project of their choosing and flown to Los Angeles, California in July for the red-carpet award ceremony.

Nearly 3,500 entries consisting of essays and letters of recommendation were submitted to Nestlé USA for consideration in this year’s competition. In-depth coverage of this year’s finalists can be found at www.nestle-verybestinyouth.com/winners.

Nestlé is also proud to recognize two elementary school students from its national Adopt-A-School program as the recipients of the Nestlé Very Best In Youth/Adopt-A-School Essay Competition award. Isaac Taylor from East Elementary School in Pendleton, IN and Taite Pierson from Eagle Rock Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA were chosen for their strong academic records, good citizenship and leadership skills. Each 6th grader will receive $1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, be profiled in the Nestlé Very Best In Youth book, and join in the Nestlé Very Best In Youth festivities.

Nestlé USA has selected NBA All-star Blake Griffin as this year’s Nestlé Very Best In Youth spokesperson. Blake, only 22 years old himself, is passionate about using his success to be a positive role model for kids. “It takes a strong work ethic to get people rallied behind a cause, and I am excited to join Nestlé in celebrating the inspiring accomplishments of these incredible kids.”

“Blake’s dedication to helping kids mirror Nestlé’s commitment to deliver Good Food, Good Life to the neighborhoods where we live and work through education and community programs,” said Kenneth Bentley, Vice President of Community Affairs & Workforce Diversity for Nestlé USA. “These teens are dedicated and motivated to improve the world around them through impactful community programs and accomplishments,” continued Bentley.

Accomplishments like those of Emily Zauzmer of Dresher, PA., who created a web-based charity to raise awareness and funds for food allergy research. Or Rujul Zaparde of Plainsboro, NJ, who has enlisted dozens of schools to provide easier access to drinking water in India though the purchase of water tube-wells.

About Blake Griffin
Selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, rookie Blake Griffin is taking the NBA by storm and breaking records every step of the way. Known for his high-flying dunks and unwavering physicality, Griffin competed on the 2011 NBA All-Star Team, the first rookie All-Star voted to the game by coaches since Tim Duncan in 1998. He also took first prize in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and participated in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. A highlight reel sensation equipped with the size, strength, quickness and skill to keep his household name buzz-worthy for many years to come, Griffin has transformed the Clippers into a must-watch franchise. A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., the 6’9” power forward attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was one of the highest rated and most decorated recruits in Sooners history. A media magnet, Griffin already has earned numerous accolades, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy, Adolph Rupp Trophy, John Wooden Award, Naismith Award, Sports Illustrated Player of the Year, multiple NBA Western Conference T-Mobile Rookie of the Month honors and many more. Follow Blake on Twitter @blakegriffin or go to www.blakegriffin.com to learn more.

The 2011 Nestlé Very Best In Youth Award Recipients are:
Carah Austin, Whiteland, IN – Age 17 – Carah, who suffers from spinal meningitis, is an avid reader and award winning writer. She is actively involved in several foundations including Find A Book A Home, which establishes libraries in local hospitals and other venues. Her History Makers Of The Future program sends needy children to a National Landmark District to study Indiana history.

Amy Chyao, Richardson, TX – Age 17 – This National AP Scholar and cellist was a guest of President Obama’s White House Science Fair. She is currently researching a cancer treatment while donating countless hours to her Spell Success community service study group for kids.

Matthew Ferguson, Hillsboro, OR – Age 16 – After suffering the loss of a childhood friend, and his mother’s diagnoses with invasive breast cancer, this Sophomore Class President, 4-H member and school football player established Matt’s Chemo Bags Foundation which provides amenity kits to women undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Samantha Fernandez, Coral Gables, FL – Age 16 – Featured in a Lifetime Television program, A Balancing Act, about the lives of inspirational teens; Samantha founded Pick-a-Pick, a guitar pick jewelry line whose proceeds are donated to underprivileged ill children. A guitar player herself, she organized the Rock Steady Concert event to further benefit her cause.

Walid Halty, Revere, MA – Age 16 – Achieving academic excellence in science, Spanish language and mathematics, Walid, who suffers from Crohn’s disease, is the founder of Global Awareness: Global Action which supplies aid to the needy in third world nations.

Armani Hawes, Bloomfield Hills, MI – Age 18 – A special needs advocate at an early age, Armani’s compassion for children with autism and other disabilities led her to spearhead multiple fundraisers that raised over $10K for local organizations such as the Judson Center and the Salvation Army.

Hillary Hughes, Bedford, NH – Age 16 – Hillary is the Founder of Color My World: Kids Who Care, a charity that has provided thousands of humanitarian kits to families in Haiti and Chile. She has received numerous accolades for her environmental projects as well as her volunteer work.

Samantha Malis, Merrick, NY – Age 17 – Recipient of President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award and member of the National Honor Society, this varsity athlete founded the charity One is Greater than None (1>0) to provide funds for the rescue and care of enslaved children in Ghana.

Abigail Mariam, Apple Valley, CA – Age 17 – An AP Scholar with Distinction and Jr. Statesman of American Director of Debate, Abigail received a scholarship from the Holocaust Remembrance Project. She is a familiar face at St. Mary Medical Center where she volunteers her time to comfort patients and their families.

Mary McGlynn, Belleville, IL – Age 17 – Recognized as a finalist for the World of Children Youth Award, Mary Claire has logged over 5,000 hours of community service, including serving as the founder of NETWork Against Malaria, providing bed nets to combat this disease.

Clay McMullen, Chesterland, OH – Age 16 – Winner of multiple awards for environmental conservation projects, Clay was named Ohio’s Youth Conservationist of the Year. An academic all-star and athlete, he participates in fencing, football and golf for his school teams.

Kylan Nieh, Fremont, CA – Age 18 – Valedictorian, Student Body President, and 6-Varsity Letter athlete, this UC Berkeley freshman co-founded the non-profit organization Internetting Family to teach senior citizens basic computer skills, enabling them to communicate with loved ones.

Carissa Ortega, Littleton, CO – Age 17 – An athlete, singer and A student, Carissa’s mission to Sierra Leone, West Africa provided materials and moral support to their school for the blind. Her fund-raising efforts benefit the Kabala School for the Blind.

Stevie Peacock, Venice, FL – Age 17 – An Olympic Torchbearer and Ambassador Girl Scout, this multi-Congressional award winner helped fund a school in Cambodia and also created Project KINDNESS, which provides school supplies to victims of disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

Parth Singh, Jenks, OK – Age 16 – Key Club Lieutenant Governor and debate team leader, Parth co-founded the Youth United Program for Tulsa’s Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, his Soles for Souls foundation aims to provide those in need with 10,000 pairs of shoes.

Kylie Tumiatti, West Melbourne, FL – Age 15 – A Duke TIP (Talent Identification Program) Scholar and accomplished writer, Kylie has received the President’s Academic and Service Awards. Kylie’s spirit and drive have led her to participate in numerous community service projects including Operation Hope, benefiting the children of migrant workers.

Alec Urbach, Roslyn Heights, NY – Age 15 – A columnist, film maker and cellist, Alec founded Giving From The Ground Up which creates educational videos for children worldwide. He is currently working on a documentary about a boy’s struggle to survive in a poverty-wracked village in Ghana.

Max Wallack, Natick, MA – Age 14 – An award winning inventor of several aid-giving devices like the Home Dome, a disaster-relief shelter, Max is also the founder of Puzzles To Remember, an organization that distributes puzzles to Alzheimer’s patients at Veterans’ facilities and nursing homes.

Carson Wigley, Salisbury, MD – Age 17 – A Congressional Award winner, Carson is an honor student, Varsity athlete and accomplished writer. Her foundation Shine Now conducts reading fairs and provides books to neighborhoods statewide.

Warren Wilson, Destin, FL – Age 17 – As an Eagle Scout, Warren’s community service project started with refurbishing a Battered Women’s Shelter and soon expanded to involve work at orphanages in Haiti. Scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT, he is also a member of the FL Academics Tournament and National Forensics League.

Christopher Yao, Jericho, NY – Age 14 – The founder of Kids Change America, Christopher inspires and directs kids to start their own initiatives and non-profit organizations. Through his own website development and design talents, Christopher has raised thousands of dollars, some of which benefit Smile Train, a group that provides cleft palate surgery to children worldwide.

Rujul Zaparde, Plainsboro, NJ – Age 16 – A scholar of Latin and Classic literature, Rujul, along with a classmate founded Drinking Water For India to build tube-wells in villages where the nearest potable water was miles away. His group has enlisted dozens of U.S. schools to raise funds for over 30 of the tube-wells which cost nearly $1,000 each.

Emily Zauzmer, Dresher, PA – Age 14 – Suffering from severe food allergies, Emily started EZ Greetings, a web-based charity that raises awareness and funds for food allergy research. She not only lends her voice to the program, but has performed at pro ball games and similar large venues.

About Nestlé USA
Named one of “The World’s Most Admired Food Companies” in Fortune magazine for fourteen consecutive years, Nestlé provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with Nestlé® Toll House®, Nestlé USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that make good living possible. That’s what “Nestlé. Good Food, Good Life” is all about. Well-known Nestlé USA brands include: Nestlé® Toll House®, Nestlé® Nesquik®, Nestlé® Coffee-mate®, Stouffer’s®, Lean Cuisine®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, Nescafé®, NESTLÉ® Juicy Juice®, Buitoni®, DREYER’S/EDY’S®, Nestlé® Crunch®, Nestlé® Butterfinger®, Wonka®, DIGIORNO®, TOMBSTONE® and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN® frozen pizza. Nestlé USA, with 2010 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world’s largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2010 sales of $105 billion.

GLENDALE, Calif.,Mar 25, 2011

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