Press release:
Kaitlin Skelton, 2009 class valedictorian at Batavia High School, was
named New York State Outstanding Young New Yorker and
awarded an $1,800 scholarship.
The scholarship competition was held May 16 during the New York State JAYCEES Convention in Liverpool. Skelton plans to attend the University of Rochester in the
fall to study international relations and possibly a foreign language.
For over 30 years the OYNY Scholarship Program has honored top high school
seniors nominated by New York State JAYCEE Chapters based on their scholastic achievement, school and community activities, leadership capabilities, interview and public speaking abilities.
Kaitlin gave a 5-minute speech on this assigned topic:
There are many present-day challenges that the United States and the rest of world needs to overcome in near future: environmental concerns, the repercussions of religious extremism, the fallout of financial collapses, the affects of rampant racism, and starvation caused by worldwide food shortages to name only a few. These problems not only threatened our way of life in the past, but continue to do so in the present and will
continue to do so for future generations if left unresolved.
With so many issues that deserve our attention, where do we begin? In your opinion, what is the most important problem we face today? Why do you believe so? What would be our first step to solving this daunting predicament, and more importantly, why should your opinion matter?
The New York State Junior Chamber is an affiliate of the United States
Junior Chamber and Junior Chamber International. The JAYCEES are a world
federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs dedicated to create positive
changes in our communities by providing opportunities for business
development, community development, individual development, international
affairs and management development.
