"20 Below 20" showcases the diverse talents, energy and contributions of Maine's young people. This program identifies 20 Mainers from ages 13 to 19 who are outstanding in areas of the visual arts, performing arts, technology, community service, civic involvement, and other areas where young people excel.
*This program does not include athletics, which are covered by the Maine Sunday Telegram's All State recognition program.

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Meet several young Mainers noted for their artistic ability, civic involvement — and their go-getter approach. [Maine Sunday Telegram April 2, 2006]

Filmmaker focuses on clay animation, wins acclaim online

Teenager hurdles many obstacles, gets things done

AIDS photo project spurs effort to raise tuition for orphans

See who the judges chose to recognize as the 20 standouts among the nominees.

Marcus Bagala
Homeschooled
Grade 10
Age 16
Nominated for:
Performing arts
"Marcus is the leader of The Shams, one of the finalists in last year's Reindeer Rock-Off...He also plays violin. He's a composer, writing a a lot of The Shams' original music..."
See the full nomination

Richard Bicknell
Windham High School
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for:
Workplace
"Richard's dream when he was young was to join the fire department as soon as he was 16...he held true to his word and joined the fire department."
See the full nomination

Devin Boilard
Mt Ararat High School
Grade 12
Age 17
Nominated for:
Community service
"Devin truly is exceptional and beyond that, he has overcome many obstacles that for some would have stopped them in their tracks. "
See the full nomination

Kala Clark
MDI High School
Grade 12
Age 17
Nominated for:
Civic involvement
"The achievements of Kala Clark are shining examples of fortitude and determination in response to life's daunting challenges. "
See the full nomination

Ryan Coughlin
Kennebunk High School
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for:
Technology
"Because of Ryan's knowledge and interest in the area of computers, he has helped many friends, neighbors, family members, and MSAD 71 School District..."
See the full nomination

Ryan Entwistle
Massabesic High School
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for:
Analysis and writing
"Ryan has risen above challenges and barriers throughout his education. He is a remarkable artist....I have seen his painting abilities and they are incredible."
See the full nomination

Jessica Ernest
Gorham High School
Grade 11
Age 16
Nominated for:
Performing arts and community service
"Jessica has devoted herself to musical theater for a good part of her life. Her happiest times are performing for a live audience and becoming the character she is asked to portray."
See the full nomination

Christian Heide
South Portland High School
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for:
Performing arts
"Christian is an honor student and an outstanding musician, playing both piano and French horn. He has played horn in the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble for 5 years..."
See the full nomination

Emily Horton
Mt. View High School
Graduated
Age 18
Nominated for:
Community service and civic involvement
"Emily has initiated and participated in a number of activities focused on empowering her community, especially the youth of the community, to be open-minded and to get involved..."
See the full nomination

Brittanny Lee
Morse High School
Grade 11
Age 17
Nominated for:
Civic involvement
"Brittanny is a passionate, energetic leader who makes a difference in her school and the community of Bath. Brittanny is never hesitant to question, challenge, or voice a concern."
See the full nomination

Dan MacKenzie
Gorham High School
Grade 11
Age 17
Nominated for:
Visual arts, Using Technology
"Once you view Dan's work...you will see, first hand, how Dan's creativity and energy are transformed into claymation videography."
See the full nomination

Charmaine McGee
Morse High School
Grade 11
Age 16
Nominated for:
"All of the above"
"Charmaine has been a blessing to everyone she encounters. From an early age she enjoyed helping people even if just to bring a smile to their face."
See the full nomination

Erin Mullaney
Catherine McAuley High School
Grade 12
Age 17
Nominated for:
Community service and performing arts
"Erin is an outstanding young person, I feel; a person who comes by working with others naturally. Erin is a very caring and sensitive individual..."
See the full nomination

Susan Muzzy
Greenville High School
Grade 11
Age 17
Nominated for:
Community service and Civic involvment
"It is not so much what Susan has done, but the way in which she has done it ...It is her own initiative and sheer interest to participate, learn new things, and help others."
See the full nomination

Michael Odokara-Okigbo
Waynflete School
Grade 10
Age 16
Nominated for:
Community service
"Michael...is a true leader who believes in the saying "to whom much is given, much is asked from"...and helping those less fortunate."
See the full nomination

Holly Pratt
Royal Academy
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for: volunteerism

"Holly Pratt is a leader and initiator. She has given of her time and energy for years: soup kitchen volunteer, mission trip to Mexico, and Spanish teacher..."
See the full nomination

Jake Smith
Waynflete High School
Grade 10
Age 16
Nominated for:
Visual arts
"Jake is an accomplished young filmmaker. In 2004, Jake took a first place in the Maine Student Film Festival with his film, PARK BENCH."
See the full nomination

Erin Stearns
Catherine McAuley High School
Grade 12
Age 17
Nominated for:
Community service
"Erin is a strong, conscientious student, competitive yet generous athlete, and a wonderful leader for her contemporaries."
See the full nomination

Thaddeus Walk
Greely High School
Grade 12
Age 17
Nominated for:
Community service
"Tad is a true leader who inspires by doing. He has been involved in sports..."
See the full nomination

Adam Zuckerman
Deering High School
Grade 12
Age 18
Nominated for:
Civic involvement
"Adam Zuckerman, an 18 year-old Deering High School senior, is an inspirational young man who refuses to let the world be "too big" to act on global issues..."
See the full nomination

VACATION PICS
How are you spending your summer vacation? Don't wait until you're back in class to tell everyone. Post your vacation photos.

ROCK-OFF 22
See profiles of all the bands, hear song samples, vote for your favorite and post messages for them here.

Richard says: "It's good to see bands following in the footsteps of the legendary Dr Thunder. Keep it up guys."
Talk about the Rock-Off.

BLUNT YOUTH RADIO
What's coming on Blunt Youth Radio:
Sept 11: Relationships
WMPG 90.9, Mondays 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
(52 sec., 205K, mp3 file)

SCHOLARSHIPS
Looking for help with college costs? Find out about scholarships available to students headed to Maine colleges here.

20 BELOW 20
See who the judges chose to recognize as the 20 standouts among the 20 Below 20 nominees.

STUDENT ART AWARDS
The winners of MECA's Regional Scholastic Art Awards and Congressional District Art Awards have been announced. Find out more and see some of the winning entries.

BULLETIN BOARD
Check the bulletin board for events and news releases -- youth radio, writing contests, workshops and more.

IT'S A SNAP
See who won our teen photography contest and view all of the entries.