Youth of the Year
By: Nate Potter
Updated: April 14, 2010
JOHNSTOWN, CAMBRIA COUNTY - Nine high school students were honored on Tuesday for volunteering and serving their community. One special Conemaugh Valley student was named Youth of the Year.
The Johnstown Exchange Club named Taylor Smolko the Youth of the Year. The president of the club said in her essay, Smolko called volunteers heroes. Club President Eileen Graham said that's the message that they are trying to convey to the community.
Smolko said she's been volunteering in her community for as long as she can remember but recently it took on a whole new meaning. Smolko's neighbor died from cancer. That's why the high school senior realized how helping others can make such an important impact.
Smolko humbly accepted the honor. She said it was just as rewarding to meet nine other young people who share the same interest as her.
