12 honored at youth salute

Speaking at the recent Osbourn High School Youth Salute Awards Ceremony, Jennifer Donelan -- a reporter for WJLA-TV and NewsChannel 8 -- told the students "you should be proud of what you have accomplished."

The ceremony was conducted for the 12 winners of the 2009 Youth Salute, a recognition program of the National Council on Youth Leadership.

Recognized at the ceremony were Amanda Best, Megan Butch, Rachel Gamble, Amber Jacklyn Goodfellow, Katelyn Goodfellow, Marcus Perez, Tyler Perez, Melissa Marie Peters, Megan Scarton, Stephanie Sly, Rhys Tucker and Julie Vetal.

A panel of community volunteers selected Sly as the top leader, followed by Marcus Perez, Katelyn Goodfellow and Vetal.

Donelan informed the students that "you have more than what it takes to make it in this world. You are successful in your academic pursuits while committing yourselves to a host of activities, organizations and sports teams. You have stellar resumes and any college will be lucky to have you as students."

She continued, "By juggling all of the commitments in your lives … you've done yourselves high favors. You are ready for the next step in your lives. You've demonstrated that not only can you handle it all … you are successful at everything you take on. I don't doubt that you will excel in all of your pursuits. Follow your dreams."

Speaking from the stage of the auditorium, Donelan, who was introduced by Manassas Mayor Harry "Hal" Parrish II, told the students "What warms my heart most is that you all have decided to be leaders."

She continued: "I am not just talking about running for office or being team captain. The type of leadership I want you to exhibit throughout the rest of your lives has no real title. It really boils down to being good people. Leadership isn't always easy… and it isn't always obvious. Sometimes leadership goes unnoticed … there's no award … no ceremony … no pat the back. Moments of leadership can come and will come when you least expect them."

Parrish said he was "honored and privileged to be here and to introduce the speaker who like me a graduate of the University of Virginia." He added that Donelan is always looking for more stories to cover.

Also on hand to congratulate the students on "their outstanding accomplishments" were Zella Jones, vice principal; Maria Murphy, Manassas City Public Schools Education Foundation; and John Conti, principal.

Four of the youths will have an opportunity to attend the Town Meeting on Tomorrow 2009 in St. Louis Oct. 17 to 21.

The photographs and biographies of the youth will be on display at sites throughout Manassas, including the Manassas Mall, Central Library in Manassas, Freedom Center and the police department.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.