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The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce presented checks to its 2015-16 Youth Ambassadors and 2016 scholarship winner. Pictured, from left: Fahim Mojawalla, GI Chamber 2nd vice president; Dana Carver, GI Chamber director; MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, 2015-16 Youth Ambassador; Tom Stedman, 2015-16 Youth Ambassador; Marissa Freedman, 2016 scholarship winner; Jim Sharpe, GI Chamber 1st vice president; and Eric Fiebelkorn, GI Chamber president.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce presented checks to its 2015-16 Youth Ambassadors and 2016 scholarship winner. Pictured, from left: Fahim Mojawalla, GI Chamber 2nd vice president; Dana Carver, GI Chamber director; MaryElisabeth Rustowicz, 2015-16 Youth Ambassador; Tom Stedman, 2015-16 Youth Ambassador; Marissa Freedman, 2016 scholarship winner; Jim Sharpe, GI Chamber 1st vice president; and Eric Fiebelkorn, GI Chamber president.

Grand Island Chamber of Commerce: Swagler, Tucker named 2016-17 Youth Ambassadors

Wed, Sep 7th 2016 05:50 pm

'15-16 ambassadors recognized for service, '16-17 ambassadors welcomed

The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce recently named Sarah Swagler and Jacob Tucker as 2016-17 Youth Ambassadors.

At a chamber meeting Aug. 22, Swager and Tucker, both members of the Grand Island High School Class of 2017, were introduced to the community. The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce selects two Youth Ambassadors to promote interaction and goodwill between the business community and students, to bring them an awareness of the economic development of Grand Island.  

The two Youth Ambassadors selected represent the youth of Grand Island at local business events. This program is open to students in grades 11 and 12.  The two chosen Youth Ambassadors will both receive a $1,000 scholarship. In May, the chamber held interviews for 2016-17 Youth Ambassadors.

Swagler is very actively involved in the Grand Island High School and community, from Girl Scouts, Miracle League, St. Stephen's Parish Players, to working as a student volunteer with PTA. She raises funds for numerous charitable organizations. Working with many different organizations, Swagler developed strong leadership and communication skills, the chamber said.

Tucker is actively involved in the Grand Island High School mock trial team, singing groups and Student Council. Over the past four years, he has volunteered 300 hours at Mount St. Mary's Hospital. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2013, and continues to serve as a senior patrol leader and a Life Scout. Working with the hospital and Boy Scouts, Tucker "has developed a well-rounded character with great loyalty and is very courageous," the chamber said.

Tucker is planning on majoring is business administration with a minor in political science and government. His goal is to become a lawyer and live in Washington, D.C., where he can pursue a career in politics.

In announcing the 2016-17 Youth Ambassadors, the chamber thanked outgoing ambassadors MaryElisabeth Rustowicz and Tom Stedman for the past year of service. In the past year, the ambassadors represented the chamber at the following events:  Light Up the Boulevard parade, the chamber holiday party, the Citizen of the Year awards banquet, KidBiz, the scholarship hot dog sale, and the Independence Day Parade.

In the fall, Stedman will attend Niagara University, while Rustowicz will finish her senior year at Grand Island High School.

"The chamber Board of Directors would like to thank Tom and MaryLis again for a job well done and wish them the best of luck in the future," the chamber said.

The chamber also congratulated its 2016 scholarship winner Marissa Freedman and wished her the best of luck at Erie Community College.

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