LEWISTON – Each year, members of the community are encouraged to nominate Lewiston youths ages 12 to 18 who contribute to the community.

On Wednesday, the 10 winners of this year’s Shining Stars competition were announced.

State Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, addressed the nominees, speaking on “The Value of Young People Within Our Community.” A letter from Gov. John Baldacci was read by Mayor Lionel Guay Jr. and a special message was delivered by letter from 2000 Shining Star Thomas Deschenes.

The names of this year’s 10 Shining Stars were entered into a live drawing for a computer system donated by Sisters of Charity Health System and one-year of free Megalink service donated by Oxford Networks.

Jayme Boucher, a senior at Lewiston High School, won the computer system and free year of Web access.

All nominees received a certificate and a lapel pin from the city of Lewiston, and the 10 winners received donated gifts from Marco’s Restaurant, DaVinci’s Restaurant, Sam’s Italian, Lewiston Recreation Department, L.L. Bean, Lewiston Maineiacs and Manic Cafe.

Judges for this year’s Shining Star selection were City Councilor Ron Jean; Nick Knowlton, owner of GSM Group; Mary LaFontaine, training and education coordinator at Faithworks; and Lewiston’s Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier.

2004 Lewiston Shining Stars
Maria Delcourt

Freshman, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Remi & Celeste Delcourt)

When faced with peer pressure to remain in a group that chose to exclude other people, Maria refused to exclude those individuals and continued to foster friendships with them. Her stand became an example to others and a model of leadership. Maria demonstrates an inner strength and embodies the words “enthusiasm” and “positive thinking.”

Nominators say, “Maria is truly a leader by example and will no doubt grow up to be a valuable member of our community.”

Matthew Pettengill

Junior, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Gloria Pettengill)

Matthew recently took first place in the Maine State Distributive Education Clubs of America Competition, which promotes marketing as a profession. He is a member of the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Lewiston High School, is an honor student and is taking a class at Lewiston-Auburn College. He is a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer at the YWCA, has volunteered for the March of Dimes Chefs Auction, and has recently become a blood donor.

Nominator says, “Matthew is an exceptional young man with a strong sense of family, community and work ethic.”

Jake Sasseville

Senior, Edward Little High School

(Nominated by Adolph Holmes)

Jake has successfully developed his own community access television show, “The Edge with Jake Sasseville.” He recently took his show on location in Hollywood, interviewing several well-known actors and actresses. He seeks funding for organizations that seek a cure for leukemia in tribute to his brother who lost his life to the disease. Nominator says, “Jake always looks for a way to accomplish his mission. We haven’t heard the last of Jake; he has big dreams/plans & will succeed in getting them accomplished.”

Tarrah Bowen

Senior, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Renee Therrien)

Tarrah will graduate in the Top Ten of her class this year, serves as president of the National Honor Society and is a member of the French National Honor Society. Among other accomplishments, she was selected as one of five seniors to participate in the Senior Scholars Program, whereby she has carried two courses at Bates College and she has served for two years as chairwoman of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council.

Nominator says, “With all that Tarrah has accomplished at her age, she is one of the sweetest, most down-to-earth people you will meet. Her concerns typically are for those around her, before herself.”

Tucker Adams

8th Grade, Lewiston Middle School

(Nominated by Mark and Kate Adams)

Tucker was chosen as 1 of 20 Lewiston students to attend the worldwide Seeds of Peace Maine summer camp program in 2003, and this summer he will attend a week-long SOP program. At age 13, he has already earned his Star rank in scouting and will achieve the rank of Life this spring, which is the final rank before Eagle Scout, scouting’s top rank.

Nominators say, “At a young age, Tucker has adopted a personal pledge to make a difference.”

Lysa Laverdiere

8th Grade, Lewiston Middle School

(Nominated by Mike Courchesne)

Lysa, along with her English teacher, introduced the “Heifers for the Hungry” Project and led 15 fellow students in raising $500 to purchase a cow to help feed a hungry village in a poor country. For three years, she has assisted her grandparents in collecting, sorting and distributing food for the needy in affiliation with St. Peter’s Parish. During the summer, Lysa participates as a helper with the Special Olympics Program.

Nominator says, “Lysa’s gentle smile and personality puts everyone at ease. She has a good sense of humor and often uses that humor to help those around her enjoy their day.”

Ryan Reed

Junior, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Robert and Linda Reed)

With Boy Scout Troop 116, Ryan has served as a senior patrol leader for two years, leading a troop of 25 scouts, and is working on his Eagle Scout rank, which is the highest award in boy scouting. Ryan is an active member of the LHS Debate Team, an active member of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and was recently appointed to the Colisee Advisory Board representing the perspective of youth within the community.

Nominators say, “Ryan shines through his leadership skills, community service, and he is a role model to other youth in Lewiston.”

Danny Rand

Sophomore, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Phyllis Arnold Rand)

Danny is a member of the LHS jazz choir, jazz band and strings orchestra. He is the principal cellist with the Coastal Youth Ensemble in Topsham, a bassist with the Coastal Youth Orchestra and principal cellist with the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra. Danny has traveled and performed with strings conductor Greg Boardman during his visits to Lewiston elementary schools, encouraging students to get involved with Lewiston’s strings programs.

Nominator says, “Danny’s love of music and his musical gifts are gaining the attention of musicians outside the local community, and he is seen as a positive and unique ambassador of the city of Lewiston.”

Jayme Boucher

Senior, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by James Siragusa)

Jayme was appointed editor-in-chief of the 2004 yearbook. She goes way beyond what could be expected of even the most dedicated student, staying after school on a regular basis and coming in weekends to help finish deadlines. She is a three-year member and one of the three founding members of the LHS Environmental Club, which reinstituted a building-wide recycling program, does roadside cleanups and participates in the statewide Envirothon.

Nominator says, “In addition to her great dedication, outstanding leadership skills and commitment to school, Jayme is a wonderful person.”

Nicole Willey

Senior, Lewiston High School

(Nominated by Richard A. Bernier)

As a Lewiston School Committee youth representative, Nicole recently effectively communicated the School Committee’s “dress code” policy to the Lewiston High School student body. Nicole has received a Degree of Honor for her involvement with the National Forensic League, has participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law, is a Southern Maine Athletic Association Scholar Athlete and has served as a United Way volunteer.

Nominator says, “Nicole believes there are four qualities for good citizenship: dependability, service, leadership and patriotism; and she exemplifies all four of those qualities.”