The Yankee Homecoming Youth Community Service Award is presented to two high school students that live in, attend school in, or volunteer in Newburyport; demonstrating a strong commitment to public service, volunteerism and dedication to a cause. We are proud to present the 2010 winners.

Rosemary Preston Newburyport High School Grade 12

For the last five years, Rosie has dedicated her free time outside of school and work to volunteering with Newburyport Youth Services. She has taken a leadership role in two local organizations, Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) and the BEACON Coalition. She wrote two grants for city programs, involving over thirty teens and resulting in a total of $18,000 to fund anti-tobacco community projects. Thanks to her dedication, a series of valuable community programs were funded, including training programs in media literacy, tobacco health risks and public speaking for Newburyport teenagers.

"Ms. Preston displays maturity, commitment to bettering her community and being a positive role model," said Youth Services Director Andrea Egmont. "Most importantly, however, Rosie has a deep sense of integrity and a well-developed sense of personal purpose and self esteem. She has given 150 percent time and time again to Newburyport Youth Services projects."

Shane Stevens Newburyport High School Grade 12

Shane has shown his dedication to community service by volunteering for a variety of organizations. He has regularly sorted mail at Anna Jaques Hospital for the last year. He has helped coach Newburyport Youth Soccer for two years and mentored mentally challenged students as part of the Challenger Basketball Program at the Bresnahan Elementary School for three years. In addition to an array school sports and extracurricular activities, Shane has been a part of Mosley Pines Spring Clean-Ups, Thanksgiving meal preparation at the Hope Church, and wrapping gifts for underprivileged families as part of Christmas Giving at My Brother's Keeper in North Easton.

"Shane brings an enormous amount of energy to his work ethic," said Newburyport High School Teacher Tom Abrams. "Despite his outside job and school requirements, he never missed an assignment and always completed the entire work... I believe he is incapable of giving half-effort."

2010 Award Winners have been announced! Awards will be presented as part of the opening ceremonies at Old Fashioned Sunday.