Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has been named one of the 2011 Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees). The Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) project exists to recognize and honor ten Americans each year who exemplify the best attributes of the nation’s young people, aged 18 through 40.  The 73rd annual TOYA ceremony will be held tomorrow, June 11, 2011, at the Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel in Lisle, IL. The Mayor has sent a video acceptance speech which will be played.

“I am truly delighted and humbled to have been chosen as one of the United States Jaycees’ 10 outstanding young Americans,” Ravenstahl said. " I believe that this award is a result of hard work from the entire Pittsburgh community, who has rallied around many of my initiatives to improve our City’s livability, including the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program.”

Winners were selected on their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following areas: personal improvement or accomplishment; financial success or economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution or voluntary service; politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions; legal reform; cultural achievement (literature, history, education, arts); academic leadership or accomplishment; moral and religious leadership; athletic accomplishment; success in the influence of public opinion; any other important contribution to the community, state, or nation.

Also being honored this year are: Jessica Bachus, Founder & President, Dolls for Daughters & Kenzi’s Kidz; Drew Brees, Quarterback/Captain, New Orleans Saints; Lucas Daniel Boyce, Director of Community Relations, Government Affairs, Orlando Magic; Major Gene A. Jacobus, Major, United States Air Force; Lisa Miller, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Michigan State University; Amy C. Richison, Chief Prosecuting Attorney, Huntington Count Prosecutor’s Office; Roxana Saberi, Journalist, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Human Rights Advocate; Major Giuseppe Stavale, Major/Provost Marshal, United States Marine Corps; Shane Victorino, Centerfielder, Philadelphia Phillies, President/Founder, Shane Victorino Foundation

About the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Program
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, The United States Jaycees has sought out the ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers.  Previous honorees have included Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Dick Cheney, Kurt Warner, Gale Sayers, Elvis Presley and Michele Tafoya.

Copies of all nominations are sent to screening judges who independently select and rank the twenty semi-finalists. The entries of the semi-finalists are sent to finalist judges who independently narrow the selection to the ten men and women selected as TOYA honorees.

About the United States Junior Chamber
The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) gives young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.

To learn more, visit http://www.usjaycees.org/