Natalie Yaeger

TIFTON — The Tifton Exchange Club will recognize 11 of the area’s top high school seniors as Youth of the Year Finalists at a luncheon to be held at noon, Monday, March 19, at the Hilton Garden Inn, according to a press release.

The 11 high school seniors were judged on the basis of their extracurricular activities, grades, a short essay and a longer essay on “Strengthening America Through Socially Responsible Communities.”

A point system has been assigned to each of the categories. Points were averaged to determine the winner. All participants will receive plaques and a monetary award in recognition of their achievements.  

The student chosen as the Youth of the Year by the Exchange Club of Tifton will receive a plaque and a $500 scholarship to be used to further their education. The local winner will be entered in the state Youth of the Year competition and compete for a trip to the Georgia District Convention in Columbus in June.

Tift County High School students competing for the award are:

• Nicholas Spader, son of Gilbert and Patricia Spader

• Olivia Thomas, daughter of Karen Thomas

• Emily Claire Dawson, daughter of Kevin and Jamie Dawson

Tiftarea Academy students in the competition were:

• Natalie Yaeger, daughter of Corey and Angela Yaeger

• Bret Dixon Bernard, son of John and Beth Bernard

• Cali McDuffie, daughter of Wayne and April McDuffie

• Mia Savelli, daughter of Brent and Sherri Savelli

• Marlee Marlowe, daughter of Brian and Marla Marlowe

• Alyssa Brown, daughter of Jeff Brown

• Cameron Kozma, daughter of Marton and Hope Kozma

• Kacey Bailey Roberson, son of Jamie and Paula Roberson

The Exchange Club is appreciative of the cooperation and assistance of Dr. Larry Creamer, dean of students at Tiftarea Academy and Mrs. Robin Parker, school counselor at Tift County High School, the release states.