Youth II Winners (Older Youth)

Zaakiyah Brown:  Highly motivated, Zaakiyah is an exemplary role model and leader in the community.

• Zaakiyah gives outside of the classroom as Treasurer for Rotary Interact and President of Xinos Youth Guidance Group of Phi Delta Kappa National Sorority.  She has organized members in countless projects and fundraisers.
• She has volunteered more than 312 hours as a Peer Leader and 624 hours as the CHS football manager, besides being Class Treasurer.
• A member of the National Honors Society, Zaakiyah is ranked second in her class.
• Constantly busy, Zaakiyah is known for setting a high standard of excellence for her fellow peers.

Caitlin Ann Kambic: A senior at Strath Haven High School, Caitlin has dedicated herself to working hard for causes she believes in. 

• As a member of Interact, the school’s community service club, Caitlin has raised funds for City Team, Pinkies for Polio and Doctors Without Borders.
• Now in her fourth year as team captain, Caitlin has organized students to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, which has raised about $6,000 over three years.
• An honor student, Caitlin is involved in Ceramics Club and Class Cabinet.  She also teaches gymnastics to five and six year olds.
• Gifted in art and a violinist, Caitlin has also advocated increasing art education in the Philadelphia schools. 

Daniel Scavicchio, Jr.: Despite significant kidney problems that could not be remedied by surgery, Dan has trained in the Martial Arts since age 5 and now uses his skills to give back to the community.

• He educates the community on safety by instructing Kid-Safe seminars for 5-17 year olds and demonstrating self-defense and safety to seniors through the AARP.
• Dan has raised money for the American Cancer Society, “Make a Wish” foundation and St. Jude Research Hospital through participating in tournaments and kick-a-thons.
• A 3rd Dan Black Belt, Daniel has been teaching Martial Arts to children for three years.
• In addition, Dan is a model student at Chichester High School and plans to study psychology when he attends college in the fall of 2008.

Tyrone Sturdivant: Tyrone is a hard-working young man with a commitment to community service in the City of Chester.

• Tyrone facilitated Red Ribbon Week in unity for a drug-free society and participated in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Operation Warm, The Dictionary Project, March of Dimes, Games Day with senior citizens, and Chester Clean-Up Day.
• At the top of his graduating class at Chester High School, Tyrone is a member of the National Honor Society, recipient of the Chester Youth Collaborative’s Youth Citizen Award and the newly nominated N.A.A.C.P recipient.
• He is also involved in student government, Rotary Best & Brightest Club, Chester Youth Council, Youth Administrator of the Mural Arts Program at CHS and an apprentice the Peer Leader Program.
• Tyrone finds the time for all of these activities while working part time.  His ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a Pediatrician.

Adult Winners

Charles J. Catania, Jr.: As Ridley’s engineer, Charles has recommended sites for parks and works closely with the Recreation Department to make sure they are properly maintained and ready for seasonal activities.  But “Coach Chuck’s” commitment to Delaware County youth goes far beyond the requirements of his job.

• While studying engineering at Villanova, Charles began instructing basketball clinics and coaching a high school CYO basketball team.
• These coaching responsibilities have expanded, as he has coached soccer and basketball for the Ridley Community and Our Lady of Peace CYO for 10 years and is a 2-time PAGS Championship coach.
• Coach Chuck’s players declare that his positive attitude, patience and enthusiasm for challenging each and every player on his teams make him a role model on and off the field.
• A former all-Catholic soccer player, Charles holds a US Soccer Federation National Coaching license. 

Tom Ellis:  A former teacher, Tom has been actively involved in Scouting for the past 25 years, spreading the message to be the best that you can be in all facets of your life.

• As Scout Master and Assistant Scout Master for Troop 154, supported a remarkable number of boys who achieved Eagle in their early teens.  The time commitment includes weekly Troop meetings, weekend camps at least six times a year and a week long trip to Hawk Mountain.
• Launched the Venture Crew to continue mentoring leadership skills and fellowship among both young men and young women.
• Tom also gives to the community through feeding the homeless in Upper Darby with the Scouts, collecting non-perishables and traveling to Poland to teach English.
• The Tom Ellis message is to improve yourself and the community in which you live—to make it better because you were there.

Pastor David Shaheen:  From After School programs, to summer camps, to community clean-up days, Pastor Dave is a true leader in promoting the health and well being of Delaware County’s young people.

• Pastor Dave makes employment opportunities available to youth in his Church in Upper Darby and assists them in finding such opportunities throughout the township.
• He has also established programs where young people can confront the dangers of substance abuse and learn to make alternative, healthy lifestyle choices.
• For young people who go astray, Pastor Dave works with the Juvenile Court system to provide court-ordered community services opportunities to engage the youth in positive behaviors and activities.
• Pastor Dave’s work with the youth of the community provides the cohesiveness that is so essential for healthy communities.

Roger Ullman: Roger has earned a much deserved reputation as an advocate for Delaware County youth.

• Attorney Ullman serves as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for half of the 876 children who are involved with the Juvenile Court System.
• He oversees each case of these 438 youth and frequently has cases that span over several years.
• In addition, Roger has been a local Boy Scout leader for over 30 years.
• Also a private attorney, Roger has spent more than 27 years going above and beyond the call of duty to support youth.

Employer Winner

Drexelbrook Catering & Corporate Events Center:  For over 50 years, Drexelbrook has had a tradition of community involvement with a focus on children and education.  The Drexelbrook project is an annual student partnership program with Upper Darby High School that demonstrates how Food/Hospitality and Baking/Confections students’ studies relate to the business world.  The hands-on project involves menu design, development, food production, food purchasing and project leadership and culminates in an awards banquet with 200-300 guests.  Drexelbrook participates in high school career days and university student internship and mentoring programs.

In addition, Drexelbrook is an annual sponsor of the Drexel Hill Little League.  It has also participated in teaching local kindergarteners and first graders about what it means to be a caterer through “Kinder Katering 101,” as well as sponsored fund raising events for the Walden School’s Adopt a Scholar Program.”  Other noteworthy activities include participating in the Annual Relay for Life Breast Cancer Awareness and sponsoring an annual Red Cross blood drive.