Durham Jaycees Announce 2011 Distinguished Service Award Winners

Durham, NC (March 23, 2011) – As a part of their longstanding commitment to community service, leadership and individual development, the Durham Jaycees annually rewards individuals who make a difference in the Durham community.  Durham Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards have been awarded for outstanding service since 1940.  

The following winners were announced Tuesday, March 22^rd at the annual Durham Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards banquet, held at the R. David Thomas Center on Duke’s campus:

Outstanding Young Public Servant:  honoring correctional officers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS workers and other rescuers aged 21-40 who is a full-time or volunteer employee of one of the aforementioned areas, and through their own resources, has achieved success and leadership in their professions and who has contributed to their community by being active in civic work Sierra Jackson, City of Durham Fire Department

Outstanding Senior Citizen:  honoring those over the age of 60 who have shown exemplary qualities of leadership through community service throughout their lifetime.  The award is based on contributions to the community, and evidence of leadership and personal progress Gerald and Carol Egan, Duke Hospice

Outstanding Young Educator: honoring educators aged 21-40 who currently teach students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and demonstrate a commitment to nurturing the academic development of each student in their classroom Melodie Green, Voyager Academy

Outstanding Teenager: honoring current high school seniors who have a 3.0 minimum grade point average and demonstrate the qualities of a well-rounded youth in scholarship, leadership and community service Davis Blount,  Riverside High

Outstanding Young North Carolinian:  The Distinguished Service Award: honoring young professionals aged 21-40, who have exemplary qualities of leadership through community service throughout their lifetime.  The award is based on contributions to the community, and evidence of leadership and personal progress Chandler Vatavuk.

Award Winners from Left to Right: Davis Blount, Chandler Vatavuk, Gerald Egan, Carol Egan, Melodie Green, and Sierra Jackson.

About the Durham Jaycees

The Durham Jaycees is a chapter of the United States Junior Chamber and has been operating in Durham since 1938.  The organization provides young professionals, ages 21-40 with an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills through local community service projects.  Notable members of the organization have included Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Durham City Councilman Mike Woodard, and community leader E.K. Powe.