The N.D. Junior Chamber (Jaycees) Saturday recognized three individuals; Brenda Jo Gillund, Grand Forks, Carrie Grosz, Bismarck, Jessica Santini, Bismarck as Outstanding Young North Dakotans (OYND). Each was recognized for their individual accomplishments and their commitment to North Dakota and their respective communities.

“The OYND program recognizes individuals within North Dakotans that exemplify the best attributes of young people aged 18 through 40.” said Michele Dean, 73rd N.D. Jaycee State President. “This recognition represents the vast accomplishments achieved by the young people in our state.”

Men and women age 18 through 40 in all fields of endeavor may be nominated for OYND honors. Nominations are submitted by any individual, organization, association, institution, or Jaycee chapter. The three recipients were selected by a panel of independent judges. The judges reviewed material submitted in the nomination forms and conducted oral interviews with each finalist.

Achievements and accomplishments for the OYND recipients must qualify in any three (3) of the following areas: personal improvement or accomplishment, financial success and economic innovation, social improvement to major contemporary problems, philanthropic contribution or voluntary service, politics or government service, scientific or technological contributions, legal reform, cultural achievement including contributions in literature, history, education, or the arts, academic leadership or accomplishment, moral and religious leadership, athletic accomplishment, success in the influence of public opinion (news media and other means), and, any other important contributions to community, state, or nation. In determining the recipients of this recognition, the judges also gave particular consideration to each nominee’s record of adherence to the principles embodied in the Jaycee Creed.

“This honors program provides the N.D. Jaycees with an opportunity to recognize young people excelling in areas representing the Jaycee organization. We help people! We build leaders! We build communities! These nominees represent who the young citizens of North Dakota are and what the Jaycees organization is about.” said Raymond S. Morrell, 2007 OYND Program Manager.

Nine finalists were recognized at Saturday’s banquet with the three recipients taking home the OYND recognition honor. The 2007 OYND recipients will be forwarded to the 2008 Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) Congress hosted by the United States Jaycees.

The N.D. Jaycees is the organization of choice for young people providing direction and leadership to our communities and nation giving young people the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through local community service and organizational involvement while expanding the Jaycee movement.

For more information on the Jaycee organization or the OYND award log on to www.usjaycees.org or www.ndjaycees.org.

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