ST. LOUIS, July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Junior Chamber, a member of Junior Chamber International (JCI USA), recently announced the winners of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Young Americans award at the 94^th Annual Jaycees National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Joining a distinguished list of previous recipients such as Bill Clinton, Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, and Wayne Newton, this year's nominees were selected for their service and dedication in exemplifying the highest levels of cultural, economic, and personal progress as one of our nation's emerging leaders under 40 years old. Through a competitive process, honorees were selected by a panel of distinguished judges for their contributions in one of ten specific areas, and for their overall adherence to the principles embodied in the United States Junior Chamber Creed.

"Since the beginning of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) program, JCI USA has recognized young men and women who are truly dedicated to the world around them.  Each class of winners represents the best of the best in a variety of categories, but they are all bound by one common belief - that service to humanity is the best work of life," said Fay Poissant, President of JCI USA.  "I have no doubt that the 2014 TOYA recipients will continue to create positive change through their selflessness and willingness to create sustainable solutions in their communities, much like the Jaycees have been doing for nearly 100 years."

The JCI USA's Class of 2014 Ten Outstanding Young Americans includes:

Lauren B. Beach, 30, Lawyer & PhD Candidate 
Minneapolis, MN

Taryn Davis, 28, Founder/Executive Director, American Widow Project
Buda, TX

Amelia Rose Earhart, 31, Aviatrix; Founder/CEO, Fly With Amelia Foundation
Denver, CO

Colmon Elridge, III, 32, Senior Advisor to the Governor of KY
Georgetown, KY

Lieutenant Commander Michael Files, 39, US Navy
Battle Creek, MI

Tevan Green, 36, President/CEO, Citadel Logic, LLC
Yorktown, VA

Jennifer L. Livingston, 38, News Anchor, WKBT
La Crosse, WI

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr, 39, Entertainer
Logan, WV

Ruth Riley, 34, WNBA player
Miami Beach, FL

Michael Schultz, 32, Athlete; Founder/Inventor, Biodapt, Inc.
St. Cloud, MN

For additional information on the Ten Outstanding Young Americans program and recipients, please visit: www.usjaycees.org/toya

For additional information on the United States Junior Chamber organization, please visit: www.jci.cc/usa

SOURCE JCI USA