Winners of 2009 Nestle Very Best In Youth Contest Honored for Excellence in Community Service

GLENDALE, Calif., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- After a nationwide search spanning nearly a thousand entries, Nestle USA is proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Nestle Very Best In Youth competition. Hailing from 18 states, each winner represents a driving force for change in their local community and wins a donation of $1,000 to the charity of their choice.

Honoring young people between the ages of 13 to 18 for achievements in local community service and academic excellence, the biennial Nestle Very Best In Youth competition is now in its twelfth year. Created by Nestle USA to spotlight the best in youth leadership, the program identifies teens whose efforts are making a profound impact in lives other than their own.

Winning entries for the 2009 Nestle Very Best In Youth awards demonstrate a growing awareness of local entrepreneurship and community spirit. Honorees for 2009 impressed the judging panel with their leadership of diverse projects, including environmental initiatives and youth mentorship programs for at-risk inner city teens. From young directors and founders of local non-profits to those balancing school and community life with serious health problems, each teen honoree is a passionate advocate for positive change every day in their local community.

Joining the ranks of more than 185 past award recipients, the 24 honorees will each receive a four-day trip to Los Angeles for an awards ceremony in July 2009, and a donation of $1,000 to the charity of their choice. The winners will also be featured in the 2009 Nestle Very Best In Youth book, a publication available in the summer of 2009 with complimentary distribution to schools and libraries nationwide.

Nestle's judging panel looked for a combination of academic achievement and special contributions to school, church or community groups from entrants. Following a call for entries in Spring 2009, the panel reviewed hundreds of letters of recommendation for applicants nationwide before naming this year's honorees.

"Each of our 24 honorees has truly made a profound difference in their local community, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments," said Ken Bentley, Vice President of Community Affairs/Educational Programs at Nestle USA. "These winners reflect not only the best in youth, but set an example for us all of how to change and improve the lives of those around us. We at Nestle are excited to play a part in getting each of these local movers and shakers the resources they need to continue making that change."

With representation from 18 states across the nation, the 2009 Nestle Very Best In Youth winners truly characterize the very best in America. Nestle USA is honored to support America's youth. Select winners include:

Arthur Nguyen, St. Paul, MN - age 15

• Arthur created the St. Paul Project Homeless, to raise awareness of the homeless issue. In three short months the project raised $21,000 to help feed the homeless in the city.

Dylan Mahalingam, Derry NH - age 13

• Dylan is the founder of non-profit organization called Lil'MDGS, whose mission is to educate, inspire, and empower children to help solve serious local and global issues. So far, the organization has helped raised $780,000 for tsunami relief and over 10 million for hurricane relief.

Raven Asay, Las Vegas, NV - age 14

• Raven has authored and co-authored over 12 books dealing with issues she faced while living in foster care. 1,500 copies of her book "Court Talk," have been made available to state orphanage, school library, and Department of Child and Family Services.

Jourdan Urbach, Rosyln Heights, NY - age 16

• Jourdan is an accomplished concert violinist and aspiring neuroscientist as well as the founder and director of Children Helping Children, an organization whose mission is to help raise money for neurological research and healthcare. To date, the organization has raised over $1.4 million.

Elissa Redmiles, Kensington, MD - age 14

• Elissa started a non-profit foundation, Baby Blanket Project, to help mothers and babies with essentials (baby blankets, bib, book, and a pair of sox, toiletries, care card, and a stuffed animal). The project raised over $10,000 and has donated over 500 packages to moms.

For full details on each of the 24 winners, please visit www.nestleusa.com to view the full release.

ABOUT NESTLE

Named one of "America's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for the tenth consecutive year, Nestle USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine(R) to baking traditions with NestlE(R) Toll House(R), Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about. Nestle USA, with 2006 sales of $8.5 billion (includes Nestle Nutrition), is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland -- the world's largest food company -- with sales of $79 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

All trademarks are owned by Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

SOURCE Nestle

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