Youth of the Month named

May 27, 2003|By TARA REILLY

Two Washington County Public Schools students were named Youth of the Month for April last week by the Washington County Commissioners.

Erin Kittel is a seventh-grader at Smithsburg Middle School and Bradley Kretzer is a seventh-grader at E. Russell Hicks Middle School.

Erin was nominated by Library Media Specialist Dianne Aughinbaugh.

In her nomination letter, Aughinbaugh stated that Erin decided to collect money after she found out some books in her school's library needed repairs.

As her birthday approached, Erin asked people to donate money for the repairs in lieu of birthday gifts, Aughinbaugh wrote.

Erin collected $145 for the cause.

"Erin's unselfish concern for (our) library illustrates what a fine young adult she is," Aughinbaugh wrote.

Bradley was nominated for the honor by school employee David Flowers and several other school officials.

Flowers stated in the nomination letter that Bradley is well-known among the faculty because of his willingness to achieve at a high level and for the respect he displays to all staff members.

Bradley has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. He overcame a total bone reconstruction and metal balls inserted in his feet. He also had his Achilles' tendon lengthened. He was in a cast from the knee down and was either in a wheelchair or on crutches for three months before going through extensive physical therapy.

Bradley has been involved in various activities in and out of school, including Pee Wee football, Cub Scouts, T-Ball, Minor League, Little League, Tri-State Tigers Traveling League, Junior League Bowling and YMCA basketball. He also volunteers at Ravenwood Lutheran Village, helping senior citizens play bingo.

"Bradley is not only an excellent student but also an outstanding citizen," Flowers wrote. "His display of character, as well as his determination to overcome obstacles, is an inspiration to his fellow students and me."

- Tara Reilly

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