Youngster receives award from Henderson beautification group

David DeRasmo, a fourth-grader at Treem Elementary School, was awarded the Henderson Commemorative Beautification Commission's Community Pride Award Oct. 16 by the Henderson City Council.

David was selected for the award for his efforts to beautify the community by picking up trash. The youngster was nominated for the award by Doug Guild, park manager with the city of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department.

"The crossing guard noticed him picking up trash by the school and the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center," Guild said. "I mentioned it to our Beautification Commission and the vote was unanimous."

"David got teased a lot by other kids for picking up trash and yet he continued to do it," Guild added.

Nominations to recognize a Henderson business or individual for the Community Pride Award may be made by calling 267-4000.

In other news:

* Bank of America named six local youths student leaders at its fourth annual Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Awards ceremony Oct. 18.

The student leaders are: seniors Aisha Fowler of Clark High School and Hannah Mattson of Del Sol High School; and 2007 graduates Nicholas Blevins of Rancho High School, Misty Spruill of Advanced Technologies Academy, Joanna Kang of Durango High School and Channchi Chau of Las Vegas High School.

The student leaders participated in an eight-week summer internship with a community-based organization and attended leadership training and community service activities.

* Sixth-grader Amalecy Angulo, attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference Oct. 27-Nov.1 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the six-day conference was "Voices of Leadership: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future." While at the leadership conference, sixth- and seventh-graders participated in educational activities, met with elected officials and congressional staff on Capitol Hill and visited historical sites, national monuments and memorials.

* Amanda Marks, 13, won four trophies at the four-state fencing tournament Oct. 20 and 21 at Red Rock Fencing Center. Amanda, an eighth-grader at The Meadows School, won gold in the under 14 saber competition and silver in the junior (under 20) mixed saber competition. Amanda also won a bronze in the mixed foil under 14 event and silver in the junior mixed foil event. Amanda will compete in saber events at the North American Cup in Dallas on Nov. 9-12.

If you know of a worthy candidate for this column, mail information to Youth Spotlight, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070, or send faxes to 383-4676.