The 7th Annual Lewiston Shining Stars Celebration was held May 5, 2004
'Tucker A. earns Shining Star Award'
The 7th Annual Lewiston Shining Stars Celebration, held May 5, 2004, at the Franco-American Heritage Center resulted in a full house of supporters for the event’s 26th nominees.Gold balloons, star-shaped balloons, and glittering hanging stars added to the night’s festivities, with friends and family waiting to see their special young person recognized . . . many with camera in hand.
LHS Senior Alison Traynor kicked off the evening with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem followed by a welcome/overview of the program by Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier who served as MC for the evening.
Mayor Lionel C. Guay, Jr., read congratulatory letters from United States Congressman Michael Michaud and Governor Baldacci, the latter of whom invited the 2004 Shining Stars to visit him at the State House.
Guay then addressed the 26 nominees with words of praise, ‘We are proud of you—VERY PROUD. We hope that this evening’s recognition will help you realize your value within this community, and we hope that you will be further inspired to pursue your dreams & goals and to continue to enrich the City of Lewiston. Indeed, because of all that you contribute, you serve as yet another example that within this community, “it’s happening here.” Please know that your positive choices and contributions have greatly enhanced the lives of others, and for that, we say thank you. Individuals like you can change the world, and we all look forward to what you’ll accomplish within your lifetime.”
A letter sent by Year 2000 Shining Star Tom Deschenes was then read to the 26 nominees. During the reading, attendees were able to view Powerpoint pics of Deschenes –both then and now. Deschenes will graduate on May 23rd from Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, with a degree in English and Secondary Education. He stated, “Being nominated as a Shining Star is the highest honor that Lewiston bestows on its youth, and each and every one of you who are nominated for this award should be very proud and definitely deserve this public recognition. This night is a special reminder that there is a lot of good in this world, and it is certainly the focus of the City of Lewiston. . . . Be proud of who you are and continue to challenge yourselves to be the best people you can be. If you do this, the sky is the limit for people with your potential."
Special guest for the evening was youth advocate Maine State Senator Peggy Rotundo who commended the youth for their community involvement and for actively using their gifts and talents. She stressed that when youth are given responsibilities and opportunities, they step up to the plate and do a wonderful job.
Dottie Perham-Whittier then facilitated a Powerpoint presentation highlighting all 26 nominees and announcing the “10” 2004 Lewiston Shining Stars. Assisting Dottie were fellow 2004 Shining Star judges, Councilor Ronald Jean, Nick Knowlton of GSM Group, and Mary LaFontaine, Training & Education Coordinator of Faithworks.
Along with a Shining Star certificate & lapel pin from the City of Lewiston, the “10” received donated gifts from Manic Café, Marco’s Restaurant, D’avinci’s Restaurant, LL Bean, Lewiston MAINEiacs, Sam’s Italian, and the Lewiston Recreation Department . . . thanks so much for your support.
Tucker A.
Lewiston Resident
8th Grade – Lewiston Middle School
- Tucker was chosen as 1 of 20 Lewiston students to attend the worldwide Seeds of Peace (SOP) Maine summer camp program in 2003, and this summer he will attend a week-long SOP program where Maine students from different backgrounds will learn more about each other & how to improve tolerance and cultural understanding within their communities.
- Participates in bi-weekly SOP discussion groups/projects, and, in doing so, he has become noticeably committed to peace and the ability of all persons to express their beliefs and communicate without prejudice or political barrier.
- Tucker developed and presented a PowerPoint presentation advocating the importance of the SOP program, tolerance, and peace & utilized the popular song “Where Is The Love? during the presentation.
- 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.”