Pictured above from left are the students who won in the different catagories at the youth awards program. Cassie Gordon, Leadership Award, W.A. Perry Middle School, Tyronda Gaskins, Journalism Award, W.A. Perry Middle School, Deanna Santoro, Talent Award, Hand Middle School and Erik Brown, Community Service Award, W.A. Perry Middle School.

Proud parents, teachers, dignitaries, community leaders and corporate sponsors crowded the BellSouth Auditorium to congratulate students in the 2nd Annual “Celebrating Your Gift” Youth Awards Program. University of South Carolina Cross Country, Field & Track Coach Education urged the teens to set high goals in life–dare to dream–and work hard.

The Millennium Magazine established The “Celebrating Your Gifts” Youth Awards to honor young people between the ages of 11 and 14 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, community service and perseverance. Calvin Reese, Millennium Magazine?s President/Founder, believes that all children are capable of achieving their dreams. Recognizing accomplishments early in a child?s life is crucial and can prove to be positively life changing for our youth.

Mr. Reese was honored and encouraged by all the community business leaders and other volunteers who have offered to support this project. The distinguished group serving on the Steering Committee includes: Rosena R. Lucas (Chair), Tracie Young Cooper; Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., Brookland Baptist Church; Johnson Jeffcoat, Regions Bank; Mike Kelly (Co-Chair), Suggs & Kelly Lawyers, P.A.; Stephanie Cooper-Lewter, MSW, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia; Pelham Myers, P & B Promotionals; Charles Noble, Noble’s Fine Art Gallery; Clyde Shepard, Brotherhood of Grand Masonic Lodges; Martha Smith, BellSouth; Jacque Freeman, KISS-FM and Robert Wells, South Carolina Bar Association.

Pictured above from left; USC Track & Field Coach Curtis Frye, keynote Speaker, Mike Kelly, youth awards chair and Hannah Nelson, WIS-TV, program host.

Several committee members shared their thoughts on The Millennium Magazine Youth Awards. Also more photos from the event:

Every opportunity to be a part of an event which has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of our youth is a rewarding experience. The establishment of the Millennium Magazine Youth Awards for Lexington and Richland school districts says to these young people that they are not invisible…we see them; their voices are not silenced…we hear them; their passions, desires and challenges are what we want to share with them on their journey toward the most fulfilling future possible. We, therefore, take this opportunity to reward their achievements by “Celebrating their Gifts”. Rosena R. Lucas ? Chair, Steering Committee

“I am always excited when our youth are given special consideration. We who have been blessed by God in some measure have a responsibility to pass our blessings on to the succeeding generation. Recognizing and encouraging our youth is both inspirational and motivational. It enables and empowers them to continually pursue the highest good. I believe that the greatest good we can do for our youth is not just to share our riches, but to reveal to them their own.” Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr.

“I have had the privilege of helping people as a lawyer for the last 25 years; Millennium Magazine and its Youth Awards Program sets a new standard for helping our community by promoting the ideal that we live to serve.” Mike Kelly

?I support the Millennium Magazine ?Youth Awards Program.? Our young people are our community?s future leaders. Community recognition of their leadership and service is vital in encouraging young people to continue to reach their full potential as they pursue their dreams.? Stephanie K. Cooper-Lewter

Above from left; Calvin B. Reese, President/Founder, Millennium Magazine, Coach Robert Reynolds, retired educator, Margaret Thomas Land and Bobby Guider, Fashions II Gentlemen’s Consignment and USC Coach Curtis Frye.

?I am extremely pleased to have been selected by Mr. Reese to be a committee member of the Millennium Magazine’s Youth Awards Program. As a native of Columbia, I feel it is my personal responsibility to do what I can to be of service, especially, to the youths and senior citizens of our community. My expertise and experience consists of the following: a business owner for over 12 years, a devoted husband of 33 years and father of two adult sons, 13 years of military service, a graduate of The University of South Carolina with a Political Science Degree, a Mason, and I am guided by a strong spiritual background.?

?I truly feel that if more adults become directly involved in the well being of our youth, less and less incidents of juvenile destructive behavior would be realized. Our youth are like diamonds in the rough, but like a rough diamond in the hands of an expert jeweler they too can become like precious jewels with our help.? Charles Noble

?It’s truly an honor to have been chosen to serve on this committee. I feel that the “Youth Awards Program” is most fitting and long overdue. So many times we tend to focus on the negative impact that our youth are having on our communities. This program will no doubt change the hearts, minds and shed positive light on their accomplishments. I commend Calvin for bringing to the community the positive deeds of our young people.? Clyde Shepard

The next “Celebrating Your Gifts” Youth Awards Program will take place in the spring of 2005.