BURNSVILLE, MN November 12, 2010– The Minnesota Jaycees proudly recognizes a select group of 11 young leaders with the 2010 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans and Outstanding Young Farmers Awards. The 11 honorees will be recognized at a special awards celebration held on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the College of St Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. The OYF honoree will be finalized after an interview and presentation also held that day.
“These 11 young Minnesotans are exceptional examples of leaders stepping up to serve their communities in difficult times” said Laura Chesney Gadd, President of the Minnesota Jaycees. “This group exemplifies the core values of the Minnesota Jaycees which include developing leadership skills, entrepreneurship, advocacy for issues important for Minnesota, and service to their community.”
Started in 1950, the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans (TOYM) program is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition program for outstanding young leaders between the ages of 18-40 who have devoted themselves to improving their community. The program acknowledges the efforts and accomplishments of young adults who have contributed to our state through their service, thought and influence, community involvement, or entrepreneurship. In the past 58 years, the program has recognized the leadership of more than 400 young Minnesotans. Past awardees have included young up-and-coming leaders Walter Mondale, Marlene Johnson, Dave Winfield, Tim Penny, Paul Douglas, Matt Blair, Wheelock Whitney, Joe Senser, and Martin Sabo.
2010 Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Honorees:
Crystal Dulas – Dulas Excavating, Wells
Brad Eller – Shakopee Parks and Recreation, New Prague
Alexandra Forster – College Student, Delano
Ryan Foss –Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, St. Paul
Maggie Harris – Ever After Gowns, St. Paul
Kristi Hastings – Pemberton Law Office, Fergus Falls
Linda Lieser – Isaac’s Foundation, Sauk Centre
Jason Matheson – FOX 9 KMSP, Eden Prairie
Melissa Palank – Nonprofit Solutions, Bloomington
Cori Wrobel – St. Francis Catholic School, Brainerd
About the Minnesota Jaycees
The Mission of the Minnesota Jaycees is to provide the opportunity for young individuals to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change. The Minnesota Jaycees is a statewide organization consisting of 80 local chapters and 2,500 members. Our chapters are in rural, mid-sized, and urban communities and our membership is comprised of young people between the ages of 18-40. As a civic organization for young people, the Minnesota Jaycees are developing the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities to stand up and take initiative in their community.
We engage young people ages 18-40 through project management and social entrepreneurship that will make an impact in their communities and build leadership skills. Jaycees around the state are responsible for organizing hundreds of community festivals, fundraisers for other nonprofits, and creating opportunities for community members to engage with one another.
For more information about the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans or Outstanding Young Farmers programs, visit www.mnjaycees.org, or contact Trisha Reinwald at 952-890-8000.