GRANITE CITY - Nineteen students from Holy Family School recently were recognized in the International Leadership Network's new Illinois program. This is the first time outstanding students in grades 5-10 have been recognized as Gateway East Young Achievers.

The criteria for the recognition are that students must be in grades 5-10 and successful achievers in a variety of areas. These areas include students who are appointed and/or elected positive role models; good citizens in their schools and communities; and competent scholars with good attendance records.

Those who have been selected from Holy Family as a Gateway East Young Achiever for 2008 include eighth-graders Blake Boyer, Jonathon Bundy, Madyson Lord, Samuel Richey, Samuel Saucier and Jasmine Whitcomb. Selected from seventh grade are Jenna Davis, Drew Haugen, Joshua Hyman and Sarah Pistorius. Sixth-graders include Aalonna Baker, Isabel Guerrero, Avery Johnson, Lauren Laub, Roy Moore III and Joshua Nelson. From fifth grade are Thomas Hart, Trent Hawkins and Marcella Miller.

The students selected for this honor received Certificates of Achievement and Young Achievers T-shirts. All are invited to participate in a photographic showcase exhibit in their community. They, their families, teachers and friends are invited to a special recognition ceremony at McKendree University on Sunday, May 4.

At McKendree 12 Gateway East Young Achievers will receive medallions and $50 in recognition of special accomplishments. Two will be honored as Gateway East Young Achievers of the Year and receive awards, $1,000 U. S. Savings Bonds and be nominated for international recognition by International Leadership Network.