LEWISTON – As several Lewiston Staples associates and Operations Manager Eric Roy gathered at the front of the store, fellow employee/Lewiston High School student Matthew Gutshall was surprised on Aug. 17 when presented with the August Mayoral Citation of Excellence by Lewiston Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr. and Lewiston Youth Advisory Council member Ally Beaucage. The award is presented each month to a Lewiston middle or high school student.

The award was presented to Gutshall in recognition of leadership abilities and exemplary representation of the state.

With a glance to Roy, a broad smile broke across Gutshall’s face when realizing he was the recipient as Guay noted, “Matthew, you are to be commended for being chosen to attend the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Academy and from that experience being chosen to represent the state of Maine as a diplomat’ in Washington, D.C.

“The leadership skills you’ve developed and your future leadership potential will no doubt serve as outstanding resources for this community, Lewiston High School and your peers. Thank you for your willingness to go above and beyond’ to enhance your own personal development, as well as the lives of those around you.”

Nominations for the September 2005 citation are due no later than Sept. 9, and one-page nominations must be in regard to an achievement or accomplishment deemed as “above and beyond” or “extraordinary” that has occurred within the last two months.

Nominations may be submitted to Guay at 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240, or via [email protected]. After reviewing nominations, Guay and the youth council will decide on a recipient, and the presentation will be made in mid-September at the youth’s respective school. Nominees must reside in Lewiston.