LEWISTON – The 2003 Lewiston Shining Stars were announced on May 12 at the sixth annual youth celebration.
Each year since 1998, the municipal event recognizes young people who are positively impacting/contributing to the community. Held at the Lewiston Middle School, 28 nominees were recognized, and 10 of those students were named as the 2003 Stars: Stacy Cloutier, Kari Grant, Matthew Gutshall, Deneiges Labbe, Katie Lauze, Jennifer Robustelli, Kelin Sevit, Desiree Snow, Matthew Stowe and Jason Withee.
Lewiston High School junior Alison Traynor opened the celebration with her rendition of the National Anthem followed by a welcome/history of the program by Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier, who served as the event facilitator. Lewiston High School sophomore Katie Lauze provided musical entertainment, performing the Broadway tune “Caberet.”
Council President Renee Bernier paid tribute to the 28 nominees, noting, “We, as a community, are very fortunate to have young people who truly make the city of Lewiston shine. These youth are the leaders of tomorrow, and if their current contributions are any indication of what they’ll do in the future, Lewiston will be in very good hands.”
Bernier also read a letter from Gov. John Baldacci who stated, “These fine young adults truly epitomize our state’s moto, ‘Maine, the Way Life Should Be’.”
Special guest speaker was 1999 Shining Star Jennifer Duncan, who will graduate shortly from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. Duncan noted that being a Shining Star had been one of her fondest high school memories, as the distinction made her realize that others were “taking notice” of what she was contributing within the community.
Perham-Whittier highlighted the 28 nominees through a Powerpoint presentation and was assisted by 2003 Shining Star judges Jimmy Simones of Simones’ Hot Dog and Maureen Aube of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.
Along with a Shining Star certificate and lapel pin from the city of Lewiston, the 10 received donated gifts. They also had their names put into a drawing for a computer system and accessories donated by Sisters of Charity Health System. Russ Donahue, Sisters of Charity director of marketing, pulled the winning name: Deneiges Labbe.
The other 18 nominees were also recognized by presentation of an “In Celebration of Who You Are” certificate and a “Bravo” lapel pin. Those nominees were Chelsey Baillargeon, Amanda Bergeron, Brian Bilodeau, Nicholas Bosse, Tarrah Bowen, Felicia Carr, Ann Danforth, Nicole Deschaine, Danielle Dubuc, Audrey Faucher, Marissa Iadevaia-Jalbert, Kristin Jacques, Sheena Marichal, Renee Meservier, Steve Nadeau, Patrick O’Connell, Fernando “Fred” Ramirez and Danielle Taylor.
All nominees were congratulated through a receiving line comprised of members of the Lewiston City Council and Assistant City Administrator Phil Nadeau.
Those wishing can visit http:/ci.lewiston.me.us/administration/stars2003.htm.
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