Jaycees Celebrate Milestone Anniversary of Program Honoring Leaders
ST. LOUIS – What do Bill Clinton, Elvis Presley and Wayne Newton have in common? They are all past recipients of the U.S. Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans award. For 75 years, the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) has recognized the ten young men and women – under the age of 40 – who best exemplify the highest attributes of the nation’s emerging generation. The U.S. Jaycees is pleased to name the 2013 Ten Outstanding Young Americans who will be honored at the 75th annual black-tie awards ceremony – to be held June 8, 2013, at the Doubletree Seattle Airport Hotel in Seattle, WA.
“For decades, the Jaycees organization has prided itself on not only providing development opportunities and tools so young people can grow and bring about change in their communities, but recognizing those individuals who stand out, even among leaders,” said Chrystal Ramsay, President of the U.S. Jaycees. “This year’s TOYA (Ten Outstanding Young Americans) honorees are role models for everyone. They are ‘doers’ in all sense of the word. Their innovation, passion and talents have improved the lives of thousands of people and made a lasting impact in our country.”
The United States Jaycees 2013 Ten Outstanding Young American Honorees include:
John Cena, WWE Superstar
Cena is being honored for his work with Make-a-Wish Foundation (being a top wish granter with over 300 wishes granted), Susan G. Komen Foundation and military outreach.
Beau Davidson, Recording Artist/Songwriter
Davidson is being honored for his accomplishments in the entertainment and political arenas including his appointment to The Young Americans Coalition.
Anne Wignall Foskett, Founder/Director, Care Bags Foundation
Foskett is being honored for her creation of Care Bags 4 Kids, started at age 11, which provides age appropriate items to comfort displaced, abused and disadvantaged kids.
Patrick Knight, Litigation Attorney/Motivational Speaker
Knight is being honored for turning tragedy into triumph after recovering from a shooting that killed numerous family members, and now providing inspiration to others.
Lucas Metropulos, President/Founder, Fishing for Families in Need
Metropulos is being honored for his creation of Fishing for Families in Need, started when he was 15, as a mechanism to immerse and educate socio-economically disadvantaged children about their local marine and/or freshwater environment.
Nate Morris, Chairman, Morris Industries; Co-Founder/CEO Rubicon Global
Morris is being honored for founding Rubicon Global whose innovation and business model is revolutionizing the waste and recycling industry by helping businesses to reduce their cost and increase recycling.
Devin Nakasone, Founder, Prayers on Wings
Nakasone is being honored for his founding Prayers on Wings which builds bridges of communication between children in crisis and their families.
Nathan Osmond, Entertainer
Osmond is being honored for his musical accomplishments and his involvement in numerous charities and foundations including American Fallen Warrior Memorial Foundation, Autism Speaks and Children’s Miracle Network.
Matthew Segal, President/CoFounder, OurTime.org
Segal is being honored for founding OurTime.org, an organization dedicated to empowering America’s youth, and 80 Million Strong Coalition which addresses youth unemployment and other economic challenges facing individuals under 30.
Jerreme Wade, U.S. Paralympian
Wade is being honored for his ability to inspire others to overcome adversity through his dedication to helping others lead health and happy lives.
To learn more about the 2013 Ten Outstanding Young American honorees, the program, or the 75th Anniversary Gala event, please visit www.usjaycees.org/toya.
About Ten Outstanding Young Americans Program
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, The United States Jaycees has sought out the ten young men and women (under the age of 40) who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers. Previous honorees include Bill Clinton (1979), John F. Kennedy (1946), Dick Cheney (1976), Kurt Warner (2010), Wayne Newton (1977), Gale Sayers (1969), Elvis Presley (1970) and Michele Tafoya (2001).