Oklahoma's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in 10th Annual National Awards Program

Oklahoma's Top Two Youth Volunteers Selected in 10th Annual National Awards Program: "Brittany Easter, an eighth-grader at Bixby Middle School, has undertaken a number of significant volunteer projects to promote literacy, the arts and other causes. Brittany calls her effort 'G.R.O.W.,' which stands for 'Giving Reaps Only Winners.' 'I look for where I can help and volunteer my talents so others will grow,' she explained.

To encourage reading among young people, Brittany volunteered last summer to help her local library conduct a summer reading program that signed up 38,000 new readers. Also, working in conjunction with the American Red Cross, she contributed her time and some of her own money to a reading campaign that reached a thousand disadvantaged children. Reflecting her interest in the arts, Brittany helped raise $1,000 to produce a special ballet performance for low-income and special-needs students, and served as a 'roadie' for the Bixby High School marching band. She also has conducted projects for cancer patients, collected books and magazines for the military, and even wrote a song to support the troops. 'I love helping others,' said Brittany. 'All it takes is a willingness to give your time, your talent, and a heart to serve others.'"