Brightest Stars and Community Red Wagon Awards- Feb 3, 2004, Idaho State Capitol, 2004

	Governor Dirk Kempthorne prepares to sign the proclamation in the capitol rotunda which declares February 3rd, 2004 as "Brightest Stars Day".

Brightest Stars Grand Prize Winners

	INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY Mark Cowley of Blackfoot, is a lieutenant with the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, chairs the Blackfoot/Bingham County Youth Coalition and knows how to inspire youth to get involved in activities. Mark got 40 young people from five counties involved in building a go-cart track. He got youth from high schools around the county involved in performing a play in English and Spanish that addressed a variety of teen issues. He has helped secure funding so that youth could attend Search Institute conferences for the past two years. He also spearheaded Join Hands Day, organizing partnerships to help reunite a neighborhood suffering from an increase in violence and crime, including project to build a playground for children in that neighborhood. Because of Mark, Blackfoot was chosen to be the lead agency for Idaho for the 2003 National Youth Service Day. The day of service Mark organized ranked fifth in the nation for the number of volunteers. From Left to right: Rep. Dennis Lake, Blackfoot Mayor Scott Reece, First Lady Patricia Kempthorne, Lisa Cowley, Mark Cowley, Governor Dirk Kempthorne, and Sen. Stanley Williams

	BUSINESS CATEGORY St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood, continues to be a standout in their community and state as an extraordinary provider of services to enhance the lives of Idaho’s families and children. St. Mary’s provides care for Cottonwood, Greencreek, Ferdinand, Kamiah, Nezperce, Craigmont and Grangeville, offering uncompensated medical care, charity care, in-kind donations, and sport physical programs that donate a portion of the fee (60 percent) back to the schools. St. Mary’s Hospital provides flu shots, childbirth classes, and immunization clinics for children. The hospital sponsors the Angel Tree and backpacks for needy children. St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinic is a beacon of light and hope reaching out to the community in many ways. From Left to right: (unknown), First Lady Patricia Kempthorne, CEO Casey Meza, COO Larry Kidd, and Sen. Charles Cuddy.

	CORPORATION CATEGORY RC Willey of Meridian, donates substantial resources to numerous local charities. They help the homeless and needy, but more specifically, they tend to families and youth. RC Willey has deemed Sunday as a family day by leaving its doors closed to allow their employees to spend time necessary to maintain a close relationship with their families. RC Willey also donates to countless elementary school functions and fund-raisers. Willey gives to many youth groups on a monthly basis. The Chairman of the Board underwrites RC Willey’s program, “A Child’s Christmas,” The event provides children of needy families with the opportunity to experience Christmas, which they may not otherwise be able to do. RC Willey employees donate time to be personal shoppers for more than 100 needy children. They deserve all the praise we can give them for their valiant efforts. From Left to Right: Tom Pierce, Katie Vaage, First Lady Patricia Kempthorne, Todd Boothe, Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Sen. Patti Anne Lodge, and Paul Landon.

	ORGANIZATION CATEGORY The Hispanic Youth Symposium, nominated by the City of Nampa, is designed to encourage Hispanic teens to seek brighter futures by completing their high school education and pursuing higher education careers. Using a bilingual format, the Symposium has three goals: Prevent Drop-out; Develop Healthy Pride in Hispanic-American Heritage; and Encourage and Create Opportunities for Higher Education. The bilingual program imparts a sense of awareness, hope, and social responsibility to Hispanic teens. Students participate in contests for awards and scholarships, and network with peers and role models. The Symposium grew out of a 1988 brainstorming session centered on ways to curb the high school dropout rate of over 60 percent. Since then, the dropout rate has fallen to 28 percent. There is no doubt that the Hispanic Youth Symposium is partly responsible for the reduction of the dropout rate. The U.S. Department of Energy-INEEL staff has spearheaded the HYS endeavor and fostered volunteerism in hundreds of individuals, organizations, and corporations to help make hundreds of young Idahoans’ dreams come true. From Left to Right, Rep. Janice McGeachin, Rick Dale, Arantza Zabala, Toni Vandel, (unknown) First Lady Patricia Kempthorne, Governor Dirk Kempthorne, Sen. Mel Richardson, and Rep. Bill Deal.

Red Wagon Award Winner

	Clearwater County’s Promise, Orofino Clearwater Youth Alliance (CYA) has been a community champion in youth advocacy and has provided a strong foundation for their County of Promise. The founders envisioned a community that would put youth issues on the front burner, provide quality education, safe places for latch key kids, and provide support for youth who are not athletic by providing alternative activities in the area of arts, music and science. They incorporated high school youth (Teen Alliance) to look at what they thought the youth in Orofino needed the most. In one year, Clearwater County’s Promise became a Community of Promise, launched their Promise Station (web-site provided by America’s Promise that networks youth and adults with the available resources and volunteer opportunities in their county), and developed a strategic plan to fulfill all Five Promises for youth in their county. In this past year, Clearwater County’s Promise has · Developed an after school program called the Learning Enrichment After School Program (LEAP) which was accepted and rapidly gained popularity from the community. They were able to hire a teacher/director and provide paid high school staff along with several volunteers. · Developed CHEEP (Childhood Early Enrichment Program) that is a “Best Practices” daycare and preschool. · Received $50,000 grant from Drug Free Communities grant in October 2003. · “Maniac Pride,” a civic pride organization, at the high school to allow youth to acquire volunteer hours that would help many of them applying for scholarships, but equally important, to provide needed volunteer services in the community. · Designated a Priority Community by America’s Promise, which means they are eligible to receive tools, training, and technical assistance from America’s Promise that will assist in improving the lives of Clearwater County’s youth. Clearwater County is one of three communities in Idaho selected by America’s Promise from more than 200 communities nation wide as a priority because it has the pieces in place to effectively deliver the five fundamental things that every child needs Monica Jones Shakes Governor Kempthorne's hand, to her left, Helen Savage, First Lady Patricia Kempthorne. Richard Wells, of America's promise (far right) looks on.

Brightest Stars Individual Category Finalists

No photo available.	Dave Jacobson of Ashton, is a positive role model who has volunteered thousands of hours serving children in the Ashton community. Dave is involved with the Ashton Youth Soccer League, the North Fremont Hospital Taxing District Board, and the North Fremont Education Foundation. He employs numerous high school students at his grocery store and has spent many volunteer hours coaching and volunteering in the high school. Dave is extremely well liked and respected by the students, and they look to him for support and guidance.

	Kelby Wilson of Cottonwood, is an outstanding student who consistently takes the initiative to be proactively involved in his family, school, community and church. He is a positive role model for young children. His personal and community interests focus on youth development. He has participated in the foreign exchange program, helped raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, participated in 4-H, led his class as president, participated in the North Idaho Youth for Justice, volunteered at the local library, served with the Catholic Youth Boys Group, participated in peer mediation in the school system, and led the football team as captain. He has won the support of community leaders in his goal to create a youth council for community involvement and service. From left to right: Rep. Charles Cuddy, Kelby Wilson, and Cottonwood Mayor Denis Duman.

	Don Stockton of Eagle, has worked tirelessly helping to establish parks and pathways between Eagle and Garden City. He has helped increase recreational opportunities along the Boise River for the entire Treasure Valley to enjoy. Obtaining easements, seeking materials and labor donations, and overseeing the construction have kept him very busy during his retirement. The expertise he brought to these efforts from his years of employment with the State Department of Lands was immense. A longtime Eagle resident, Don has truly helped Eagle become a showcase community. Young and old will reap the rewards of his labor of love. From Left to Right: Rep Anne Pasley-Stuart, Eagle Mayor Nancy Merrill, and Don Stockton.

	Terisa Howell of Eagle, has coordinated many events to help support the safety of children in Eagle. She instills high standards and self-esteem in fourth-grade girls by teaching a Visions class sponsored by the Girl Scouts. She volunteers for the Eagle Food Bank, helping to bridge the gap for those in need. Terisa is the office manager for the Eagle Substation of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office and is one of the only county employees who has completed training as a Child Safety Seat Technician and Inspector. She has installed and checked numerous car seats to make sure they will keep children safe. Terisa reaches at-risk youth who are placed on behavioral agreements by the deputies in Eagle by supervising their community service hours. She also helps young children learn how to ride bicycles more safety through Bicycle rodeos. From Left to Right: Rep Anne Pasley-Stuart, Terisa Howell, and Eagle Mayor Nancy Merrill.

	Tony Randall of Gooding, has served music programs in Idaho schools for 19 years. Presently, he is the dedicated music director for the Gooding Middle and High School. He works daily with 300 sixth- through 12th-graders with diverse backgrounds, as well as students from the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind. Because of Tony’s hard work and inspiration, the Middle School choir grew from eight members to 75 members. He organized a 110-member marching band, creating additional instruments for students to use by repairing surplus equipment from other school districts. Without Tony, there would be no pep band for school sports and no choirs to entertain at community events, clubs or nursing homes. He has minimal funds to keep the music program alive and seeks outside sources to help pay for uniforms and instruments. Tony goes above and beyond his paid duties as a teacher by practicing, performing with and chaperoning students outside of the classroom. The students not only learn music but also cooperation and respect for one another. He has been such a positive adult in students’ lives that some even call him “Dad.” From Left to Right: Sen. Clint Stennett, Rep. Wendy Jaquet, Tony Randall, Rep Tim Ridinger, and Herbert Stroud.

No photo available	Mayor Ron McIntire of Hayden, continually strives to better the community by creating new opportunities and facilities for family recreation and improved quality of life. As a caring citizen of the community, his tireless dedication has provided necessary assistance and opportunities for diverse groups of youth and families that might not otherwise have been available for their health and enjoyment. He was instrumental in negotiations to provide a building site for a new elementary school and has served 18 years as a school board member. As the owner of a chain of grocery stores, he continually donates to area food banks. He is also the executive director of the Idaho Division of the Boy Scouts of America. The staff at the City of Hayden nominated the mayor because they are inspired his service behind the scenes. They feel that “under his leadership, everything is possible.” While his humble nature prevents him from accepting praise, his contributions to the community do not go unnoticed.

No photo available	Brian Duncan of Heyburn, has shown his sincere concern for the young people of his community through his involvement in the Boy Scouts and the Minidoka County School Board. He has also worked with youth in the community’s recreation programs, serving as a coach for Little League baseball, T ball and flag football. He makes sure the young people get the proper recognition and training to help them grow.

	Jamie C. Carlton of Kimberly, has made a difference in his community by bringing innovative ideas and new year-round youth programs to the Kimberly Youth Association. He developed a program through which youth clubs and organizations could work shifts at the Twin Falls County Fair to raise money for their programs. This opportunity to raise funds has helped the Kimberly Lions Club, the Kimberly High School Boosters, the Kimberly American Legion baseball program, the Kimberly High School cheerleaders, the Kimberly PTSO, and more. Jamie has taken his vacation time from work for the last few years to manage the fair booth and keep the Kimberly community groups organized and working. The person making the nomination stated that he does not know of any family who would be willing to sacrifice so much time and effort to make things happen the way the Carltons do in Kimberly. From left to right: Rep. Tim Ridinger, and Jamie Carlton.

No photo available	Judy Watson of Kimberly, works tireless hours as principal to make Kimberly Middle School a wonderful and safe learning environment. Under Judy’s watch, the middle school has transformed into a model school in the state of Idaho. Recognizing that character education is a vital part of preparing our young people for life, Judy supports the school motto of “Mutual Respect, Mutual Responsibility.” The community has seen a transformation among the students and staff, who have embraced Judy’s philosophy that character education is not just another thing on the plate, but instead is the plate. She cares so much for the students that she spends money from her own pocket for items such as supplies for students and teachers and trees to give students a shaded place to socialize. She has the ability to help students through their problems in a way that instills life skills and will bring them success. Because of her drive for the success of all students, role modeling and high expectations of the people around her, Judy’s 33-year career in education has touched countless students’ lives and, ultimately, has made a difference in the lives of the citizens of Idaho.

	Gordon Harris of Meridian, works tirelessly to improve his community. He creates opportunities and resources for children, including the development and construction of a park in Meridian and outdoor facilities for The Growing Place, an Easter Seals child development center in Boise that fosters relationships between youth and senior citizens and serves children with disabilities. He also secured permits, site plans, material donations and equipment for a much-needed park in Meridian that will benefit thousands of children and youth in the area. Whatever is needed, he gets donated. What he can’t get donated, he provides himself. Picture: Gordon Harris Accepts his award from Rep. Margaret Henbest.

	Marci Lynn Schreiber of Moscow, has been active since 1997 in Latah County bettering the lives of children and young people. As the director of the Young Children and Family Programs of the Palouse, Marci Lynn facilitates delivery of education, resources and care to children of the area from birth to age 5, serving more than 600 people annually. She has helped build local programs and is now expanding the program she founded to include more resources through her ongoing successful efforts to secure federal grant funding. Marci Lynn also commits countless hours volunteering in her community. She presently volunteers as a team leader for Stand for Children, as an advisory board member of the University of Idaho Extension Nutrition Program, as community service chair for the Moscow Rotary Club, founding board member of the Latah Community Volunteer Center, and coordinator of the Children First Child Care Provider Conference, among other activities. From Left to Right: Dr. John Lundeby, Marci Schreiber, and Rep. Shirley Ringo.

	Susan Rueger of Mountain Home, opened her bookstore, Footnotes, in 2000 with a dream to transform her town into a reading community. She has provided more than 1,400 books to children and families through reading reward programs and partnered with parents, schools, and health care professionals to develop reading families. When she retired from the United States Air Force, she already was a strong volunteer in the community. She volunteered for the Idaho 2-1-1 project for four years. Through Footnotes, she has partnered with both state and national programs to put books into the hands of young readers and their families. Her efforts have helped the migrant community, neighboring rural communities, the schoolchildren of the Mountain Home School District and their teachers.

	O.C. “Chet” Counsil of New Plymouth, has been an active and invested member of the community, from civic involvement to reading to elementary students. He was instrumental in establishing the New Plymouth Kiwanis Club and helped establish the Dorothy White Memorial Scholarship Fund. Chet is also active in serving on various committees for many different projects around New Plymouth, such as cleaning, improving and lending and helping hand and encouragement to those in need. From left to right: Rep. Clete Edmunson,, Chet Counsil, and Sen. Monty Pearce.

	Dan and Jan Pearson of Rupert, have opened their hearts as well as their home to many in the Mini-Cassia area. They pastor the Mini-Cassia Christian Community Church in Heyburn and have built programs and helped teens find a place to learn and grow, from Bible study to a nondenominational youth group called S.P.A.M. Their involvement does not stop in their church but continues in the schools. They have provided safe alternatives for young people on Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Dan has coached girls’ basketball and volleyball, and Jan is a substitute teacher. They also are involved with an organization that raises money to fight hunger in Third World countries. From left to right: Sen. Dean Cameron, Rupert Mayor Audrey Neiwerth, Dan and Jan Pearson, and Rep. Bert Stevenson.

	Dan Young of Sandpoint, has selflessly given his community the gift of music for 10 years. He provides emcee services and uses his music and equipment to support the Special Olympics, school dances, the Parade of Lights, the community fireworks show, and school sports teams. Instead of charging for his services, he has been known to ask the group to donate to a youth program. He worked at the local radio station for several years to give to the community, but he made sure that it was not tied to his full name or real occupation as a Realtor. At the radio station, he hosted at least 100 episodes of “Speak Up North Idaho,” concentrating on community programs such as 4-H, Kinderhaven and Neighborhood Watch. He has started new youth volunteer groups in Sandpoint and other North Idaho communities. His work has helped obtain a new fire escape system at the Idaho State School and Hospital and fund early diagnostic testing in Idaho. Dan is also a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He has always been an eloquent support of all that is good in Sandpoint. From left to right: Sen. Shawn Keough, Dan Young, and Rep. George Eskridge.

No photo available	Sandra St. John has helped in the classrooms and libraries of all three schools in the Plummer/Worley District for 16 years, and she has been a reading tutor at the elementary school for six years. In the summertime, Sandra doesn’t stop helping kids to read; she helps with the summer reading program in the Plummer Library. She implemented a book program for third graders to encourage them to use the libraries. She worked very hard helping the City of Worley raise money for a new City Hall and Senior/Community Center and was a key player in setting up the Worley Book Exchange and a Children’s Reading Corner. In addition to her service to reading programs, she has been a volunteer firefighter for 15 years. She helps with the annual Easter egg hunt, the Halloween carnival, and the Babysitter Training Program and assists needy families during the holidays. The community is grateful for her efforts and commitment.

Brightest Stars Business Category Finalists

	Blackfoot Chevron of Blackfoot, is exceptionally generous in giving time, money and other assistance to benefit the youth in the city and county. The owners, Miles and Angela Clark, volunteer with the Bingham County Sheriff’s reserve in search and rescue. Volunteering at activities to keep teens them safe, assisting in keeping the swimming pool open, building a BMX track, and school fund-raisers are what makes them stand out in caring for the youth. From left to right: Blackfoot Police Chief R. David Moore, Bingham County Sheriff Dayle Holm, Miles and Angela Clark, Blackfoot Mayor Scott Reese, and Sen. Stanley Williams.

No photo available	Burgers, Etc. of Rupert, the owners, Sindy and Roger Gray, teach young people job skills that will be necessary for their future. They donate to many charities to help the less fortunate and other special needs. Their service to the community includes: Employed a girl with Down syndrome for over 20 years; Helped a young lady stay off drugs and gave her a job Employed junior and senior high school students to help them prepare for the work environment and earn money for college; Honored men and women in the military with a wall display to create awareness of their value and heroism; Donated to Relay for Life, Christmas Council and many other charities. Roger and Sindy have done an excellent job as leaders in their community and are to be commended for their fine work with youth to help them become productive, responsible, community-minded citizens. (No picture available) United Electric Co-op of Heyburn goes beyond the mission of providing electricity. We find this company offering scholarships, sponsoring a youth conference to teach about electric safety, drug awareness, and leadership skills. You will find them sponsoring sports, drama, band, Scouts and 4-H activities. What an asset to small town youth and families.

	Fingerprints Learning Center of Lewiston, is a faith-based learning center that also sponsors a food drive for the local food bank, opens their facility for use by other groups, and encourages volunteering by their staff and enrolled families. From left to right: Michelle Courtney, Susan Bramlet, and First Lady Patricia Kempthorne.

No photo available	T & T Forest Products of New Plymouth, was nominated for their support of many youth programs. Their involvement includes 4-H, FFA, Scouts, athletic programs, rodeos and horse shows. The benefit for local Church youth groups includes supplies, money and the very generous time of the owners and workers.

Brightest Stars Organization Category

	The Blackfoot/Bingham County Youth Coalition has created youth programs running all year long for young people in Blackfoot, Aberdeen, Firth and Shelley. For example, for the past three years, youth from all over the county have directed and performed a play called “Opening Windows,” dealing with serious youth issues, in English and Spanish. A highlight of 2003 was when the coalition served as the local lead agency for Idaho for National Youth Service Day. The effort ranked 5^th in the nation for its number of participants, with 3,022 youth and 199 adults volunteering on that day. The coalition also created a model project for groups nationwide with its Join Hands Day, when a struggling neighborhood was reunited. The coalition is now working on an after-school mentoring pilot program. Through the coalition, young people have been inspired to become leaders and work toward their goals. From left to right: Bingham County Sheriff Dayle Holm, Blackfoot Police Chief R. David Moore, Madison Duff, Brittani Johnson, Melissa Versey, Maria Lemos, Billy Megill, Pat Colman, Jason Housley, Lt. Mark Cowley, and Sen. Stanley Williams.

	The Blackfoot Elks Lodge #1416 of Blackfoot, has been performing charitable works in the community since 1922. Of all of the programs that the Elks support, nothing is more important than their work with the youth. The Elks provide scholarships, do service for all age groups, make their building available for activities, and donate their resources and time. Just a few of their activities include boys and girls scouting, a special needs Easter party, summer fishing, drug awareness programs, and a reading excellence program. Members of the lodge pose with Blackfoot Mayor Scott Reese (third from right) and Sen. Stanley Williams (far right).

No photo available	The Eighth Street Center and Buhl Arts Council of Buhl, provide each child in the community the opportunity to explore their creative spirit. They serve students in the Magic Valley Boys & Girls Club by providing them with a wonderful learning program on the arts and many other activities. They also operate a yearlong after-school E.S.C.A.P.E. program, which stands for Eighth Street Center Arts Programs Extreme, a Summer Art School and a Fine Arts Program for youth, and classes for special needs children. The center has also opened its doors and hosted at no cost many other community events.

	Children’s Village, Inc. of Coeur d’Alene, has provided essential services to more than 950 children in crisis since 1990. The organization provides food, shelter, clothing, education, counseling, and abundant loving care in a safe environment. The village was the vision of Dr. Anne Fox-Clarkson and became reality through partnerships with many individuals and businesses. The Children’s Village offers a crisis nursery, homeless services, foster placement, emergency respite care and support services. Children’s Village also operates a residential treatment facility and a school for children with serious emotional disturbance. The goal is to reunite children with their families, but if that is not a safe option, they can live at the Children’s Village until they are 18 years old. The program provides stability in children’s lives by keeping siblings together and saving children from drifting from home to home. From Left to Right: Carol Rankin, Rep. George Sayler, Anne C. Fox, and Rep. Bonnie Douglas.

	The Cottonwood Lions Club of Cottonwood, The members of this Lion Club are always engaged in a community service project. The club has helped the community for more than 25 years. Recent projects include several efforts at the city park, including a veteran’s memorial, replacement of worn pavement along the bike path and repair of the awnings over the tables. The Lion’s Club has helped with everything from the baseball field to a new clinic and helicopter pad for the hospital. All of these efforts help provide the youth of the area with positive activities. From left to right: Rep. Charles Cuddy, Rep Ken Roberts, James Remacle, Buzz Kopczynski, Dawn Tacke, and Cottonwood Mayor Denis Duman.

	The McCall Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Donnelly, has developed a wonderful Community Grant Program using proceeds of their highly successful Thrift Shop. The Auxiliary, founded in 1956, has been looking after children in the McCall area literally since the day the children were born. In 1999, the McCall Memorial Hospital Auxiliary began donating $10,000 a year to the Community Children’s Medical fund to pay for outpatient medical and dental care for children without other resources. Low income and medically high-risk children and families have greatly benefited from this program. Because of the selfless efforts of the countless volunteers, children and families that are less fortunate have clothes to wear, blankets to keep them warm and medical programs to keep them healthy. As families, schools, and businesses ride economic roller coasters in a seasonal economy, the Auxiliary has been there, patiently helping to create stable services where there weren’t any before and helping existing services not only survive, but thrive. From left to right: Rep. Ken Roberts, Shirley Rich, Bobbie Schoonover, (unknown) and Rep. Charles Cuddy.

	The Starfish Promise Coalition in Emmett, has united the community in an effort to build developmental assets and fulfill the Five Promises for youth. More than 20 community organizations have joined the coalition over the past two years to become involved in the daily lives of youth. The members meet with families experiencing difficult times to help strengthen their spirit and to connect them with community resources. The coalition also brought the Search Institute survey to the community and is placing teens on all city and county boards and organizations. Al Cinnamon accepts the award for the coalition from Rep. Kathy Skippen.

	The Boys & Girls Club of Ada County in Garden City, has provided a safe, positive and structured environment for young people for the past five years. Originally planned to accommodate 250 boys and girls, membership grew so rapidly that a successful campaign was initiated to expand the building to serve 2,200 members, with an average of 350 children served on an average summer day. Many citizens and businesses have offered scholarships for children so that no one would be turned away. Community members have stepped forward as volunteers to mentor the children at the club. The club has helped thousands of young people learn skills such as leadership, commitment and accountability. Most of all, they have learned to respect themselves and others. The community has seen a dramatic decline in juvenile vandalism and crime. Mark Klunhausen accepts the award from Rep. Margaret Henbest.

	Genesis World Mission in Garden City, opened a free medical clinic in December 2002 to reach the medically underserved. The volunteer clinic treated more than 1,200 patients in its first year, providing counseling services, medications and medical supplies. The community, St. Luke’s hospital, Saint Alphonsus and many other interested individuals and businesses were instrumental in the clinic becoming a reality. The clinic expanded from one day to two days per week and is seeking to add a dental clinic. The Genesis World Mission is making a tremendous impact on people who desperately need medical attention and do not have the financial resources to obtain it otherwise. From left to right, Nicolas Allen, Dr. Karl Watts, Rep. Margaret Henbest, and Tracy Haworth.

	Nickel Toys for Girls & Boys of Gooding, has provided items for low-income parents to purchase as holiday gifts for their children for a nickel apiece. Local businesses, clubs, organizations, the ministerial association, churches and individuals have partnered to make possible the shopping experience that has been a tradition in the community for the past 10 years. In 2002, 150 families were assisted in purchasing gifts. Parents are instilled with dignity as they are empowered to shop for, select and purchase three gifts for each child. The Methodist church started the program. Today, the effort is spearheaded by Donna Morton, who organizes fund-raisers, collects donations, shops, and inventories and stores the items until the sale date, when she organizes the whole event. From left to right: Sen. Clint Stennett, Rep. Wendy Jaquet, Donna Morton, Herbert Stroud, and Rep. Tim Ridinger.

	The Bonneville Youth Development Council of Idaho Falls, is a community coalition that promotes and implements programs and events for youth and families in Bonneville County. BYDC uses the 40 developmental assets framework to focus on positive qualities and experiences for youth. Just two of the Council’s initiatives include a program to honor young people for their accomplishments, and a teen room at the public library that offers a safe place for teens to gather and which has touched the lives of 1,000 young people. From left to right: Rep. Janice McGeachin, Dave Redford, Roger Christensen, and Rep. Mel Richardson.

No photo available	The Snake River Clinic of Lewiston, is an all-volunteer organization that provides free medical services to residents of the Lewis-Clark Valley and surrounding region. Twice a week, physicians, pharmacists, technicians and other health care professionals volunteer their evenings to help those who have no other opportunity to access health care services. The clinic opened its doors three years ago, serving 226 patients in just the first two months. After three years, number of patients had grown to 1,946, many of whom are children. The Snake River Clinic’s volunteers not only relieve physical suffering, but their free services save families from suffering financially as well.

	The Oneida Youth Coalition of Malad, has empowered teens with a role in planning service projects, fund-raisers and monthly activities reaching a diverse population of youth and families. Particularly noteworthy are the coalition’s efforts to raise $2,500 each for two young people who were battling cancer. In the past year alone, more than 580 youth and 48 families participated in or were served by the coalition. From left to right: Krystal Thorpe, Dustin Larsen, Jalyn Weeks, and Rep. Margaret Henbest.

	The Young Children & Family Programs of Moscow, has served 5,000 Latah County families over the past six years. The YCF outreach activities offer support, education and direction for young families in need. The organization works with parents of children from birth to 5 years old, providing free services including coordinating developmental screenings and providing a support network for families during emergencies. From left to right: Dr. John Lundeby, Marci Schreiber, and Rep. Shirley Ringo.

No photo available	The Post Falls Needy Program in Post Falls, has made Christmas brighter for children and families in the community. The volunteer fire department started the program, and although their numbers were small they set no limit on the number of families that could apply. The program now operates in conjunction with the Kootenai County Christmas for All program. In addition to gifts, the Post Falls Needy program coordinates help for people through churches, service clubs, individuals and the food bank. The program assisted 397 families in 2002.

	East Minico Middle School Builders Club of Rupert, is a hard-working group of young people who serve the community of Rupert and Minidoka County. They should be congratulated for completing many service projects in 2003, serving Head Start, the Minidoka County Long Term Care Center, the middle school, the Kiwanis Club, the American Cancer Society, the Red Cross, and other efforts assisting the community and building youth and adult partnerships. From left to right: Sen. Dean Cameron, James Watkins, Linda Watkins, Krysta Richardson, Jocelyn Larsen, Rep. Bert Stevenson, Rupert Mayor Audrey Neiwerth, and Kevan Vogt.

Brightest Stars Corporation Category Finalist

	Idaho Housing and Finance Association is a mortgage finance and housing services organization in Boise that goes the extra mile in helping low-income families, senior citizens, the disabled, and homeless families and individuals. IHFA helps people attain safe, decent, and affordable housing, directly effecting youth throughout Idaho in a positive way. From left to right: Rep Margaret Henbest, Kate Bell, and First Lady Patricia Kempthorne.

Communities of Promise Finalists

	Boise’s Promise, became a Community of Promise in 1998. Their Mission exists to motivate and equip individuals, organizations, and their leaders to join together in nurturing competent, caring, and responsible children and adolescents through asset building and promise making. Additionally, Healthy communityHealthy youth creates meaningful opportunities for youth to engage in service to others. The addition of an asset-based approach gave Boise’s Promise a hands-on modality with which to deliver the Five Promises. They are integrated in this endeavor and fully committed to making their communities the best place in the nation to be young and young at heart. Recent Accomplishments include:* Get Into It Service Challenge students from the Boise, Meridian, and Kuna school districts and from various county youth organizations compete for the most volunteer service hours. The goal is to engage people in service and perpetuate the cycle of service with incentives that lead to more service. Youth Volunteer Directory, which provides volunteer opportunities for youth in Ada County. Media involvement- Increased media attention to events and activities, continuation of youth pages, PSAs and media partnerships. Estimated yearly total of in-kind contribution from media entities: $385,426.52 *Teen Radio Show- HCHY is recruiting and training youth, and providing program content for a teen radio on KIDO. Youth on City Boards and Commissions, Boise’s Promise recruits, screens and trains youth appointees. Also designated a Priority Community by America’s Promise. Matt McGregor accepts the award from First Lady Patricia Kempthorne and Governor Dirk Kempthorne.**

	Lemhi’s Promise of Salmon, recently became a Community of Promise. In January 2003, a Community Visioning Team lead by City Administrator, Jay Townsend, was developed and included nearly 25 community members representing various sectors in the community. In fulfilling the Five Promises, some of their accomplishments include: · Created an After-School Program for youth in grades K – 5^th Grades. These youth are provided a Safe Place to work with caring adults on art activities, reading, and homework. They are also provided a healthy snack. All Five Promises in one location! · Developed a Youth Action Council and the youth are actively involved in fundraising, community service projects and developing their leadership skills. · Partnering with Safe and Drug Free Coordinator at Salmon High School to educate the youth, teachers and parents on the 40 Developmental Assets philosophy. Started a concession stand located at the local skate park, providing snacks, adult supervision and interaction, and a positive environment for youth and adult using the park to interrelate and engage in recreation. Youth also work in the concession stand with the adults to learn some customer service and retail skills. From left to right: Richard Wells of America's Promise, R.E. Cope, First Lady Patricia Kempthorne and Governor Dirk Kempthorne.

Individual Category Finalists