As part of Clements International’s ongoing community involvement, the company sponsored the Foreign Service Youth Foundation’s Community Service Awards once again this year. The awards honor outstanding U.S. Foreign Service youth who have served their community either at home or abroad while tackling the challenges of growing up all over the world.
The contest was open to all U.S. Foreign Service youth and teens, and the winners were honored on Friday, July 17 at an awards ceremony at the U.S. Department of State, hosted by the Foreign Liaison Office. Two first place winners each received a $1,500 savings bond. Vice President Tom Lentz attended the ceremony to honor this year’s recipients:
Cristin Middaug, age 16, was selected for her support of the Pichincha School of Morochos, Ecuador. Cristin’s parents are currently posted in Quito. She recently completed the 11th grade at the Academia Cotopaxi. Her project began in December 2007, when she chose to sponsor the Pichincha School instead of receiving Christmas presents. One year later, support for the school had increased dramatically, due in part to many Embassy community members. Cristin also serves as president of the National Honor Society, plays soccer and volleyball, and participates in the Model United Nations.
Sean Titus, age 13, was selected for his water well-building project in the village of Santa Emilia, El Salvador. Sean’s parents are currently posted to San Salvador. He recently completed the 8th grade at the Academia Británica Cuscatleca. His project began as a Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “repairing the world”) as part of his Bar Mitzvah and culminated with the inauguration of a well on March 26, 2009. Sean is also an Honor Roll student, an active member of the Boy Scouts, and plays basketball, tennis and cricket.
Maryam Ahson, age 14, was awarded an honorable mention for her “Fabric NOT Plastic” campaign in Beijing, China. Maryam’s parents are currently posted to Cairo, Egypt. She recently completed the 8th grade at Cairo American College. Maryam also swims, plays team volleyball and loves dolphins. In addition to this recognition, she won a speechwriting competition sponsored by the Wyland Foundation.
Clements congratulates these outstanding expat youth!
Labels: American Foreign Service, Clements, Clements International, community service, expat families, expat youth, Expatriates, Foreign Service, Foreign Service Youth Foundation, Tom Lentz
