Catholic Aid Association Names Youth Volunteer of the Year

Two outstanding, young individuals were recognized with a first-of-its-kind award by the Catholic Aid Association Saturday, August 2, for the hours of service and fellowship they have given to their peers, community and Catholic Aid local council.

Kevin Young, of Avon, Minn., and Lori Overman of Freeport, Minn., were named the winners of the 2008 Youth Volunteer of the Year Award and received their plaques and gifts in front of the 400-delegate body of the 125^th Annual Convention of The Catholic Aid Association at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.

“The award is the first of its kind in recent memory by Catholic Aid. These young adults are so generous with their time and energy. We want to recognize and encourage these traits in all of our members,” Fraternal Director Kathleen Moriarty said.

Catholic Aid asked for nominations of young members (ages 18 - 30), who have, through example and accomplishment, provided outstanding volunteer service to his or her community and/or council throughout the past year. Both winners exceeded expectation in their involvement, and Catholic Aid was proud to honor them.

Kevin Young is a recent graduate of Albany High School and a successful athlete. He was a member of the Huskie’s state runner-up football team in 2006 and 2008, and has represented his school at the state track and field meet.

“Kevin is a team motivator and team leader,” Huskie Track Coach Scott Daninger said. “He’s a great role model and contributes to the success of each person on the team by his encouragement and commitment.”

In addition to athletics, Young is also an honor student and a member of the National Honor Society, with which he assists in organizing service projects with the student body. He also balances a part-time job and a leadership role with the youth group at St. Benedict’s parish, where helps teach religion to sixth-graders and contributes to his Catholic Aid Council activities. St. Benedict Youth Group Leader Geralyn Nathe-Evans nominated Kevin and described him as “A young man of integrity and an amazing witness to others.”

Kevin plans to attend North Dakota State University in September to study civil engineering.

Overman too, is a recent high school graduate and academic luminary. Lori graduated Valedictorian of Melrose High School and held numerous leadership roles within her class. She was Captain of the Speech Team, President of the National Honor Society, Treasurer of the Band Council, a leader in the 4-H Club and was crowned a Stearns County Dairy Princess in March of 2008. She continues to be a promoter of dairy products, including as a dependable helping hand on her parents’ dairy farm.

Lori’s exceptional service is given not only to the local community, but to the global community as well. She has completed two mission trips to San Rafael, Mexico, inventoried the books of the Sacred Heart Elementary School library, walked for MS, given in Project Give a Gift, and more.

“Lori is dedicated to her family, school, community, and parish,” said Overman’s nominator, Kathy Welle. Lori will also attend North Dakota State University in the fall, to study accounting.

Thanks to the efforts of Overman and Young, it’s a high bar that has been set for future winners of the Catholic Aid Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. The Catholic Aid councils and communities that have benefited from their efforts thank them, as does the entire Association, for the example they set. Congratulations.

About The Catholic Aid Association

The Catholic Aid Association, founded in 1878, in St. Paul, Minn., is one of the largest fraternal life insurance companies in the upper Midwest. Serving more than 74,500 members and 160 active councils, Catholic Aid has a presence in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. It offers life insurance, annuities and IRAs to its members and strives to be the provider of choice for their financial well-being. Catholic Aid is also a leader in support of the whole Catholic community, offering fraternal benefits such as fundraisers, youth events, scholarships and matching grant programs for Catholic parishes, schools and religious education programs throughout its territory. Through programs like these, Catholic Aid helps every generation of the Catholic community thrive and grow.

For more information about the Catholic Aid Association, call 651-490-0170 or 1-800-568-6670, or visit the Web site at www.catholicaid.org.