Deon Shafer, a Warsaw Community High School senior, was named Thursday as one of 12 finalists in the Indiana Leaders of Tomorrow program.
He received a $500 cash award and $500 for his school, a donation from EMBARQ.
EMBARQ initiated the statewide Indiana Leaders of Tomorrow program. EMBARQ partnered with the Times-Union to recognize young leaders in grades 9-12 for their leadership through community volunteerism, academic success and extracurricular activities.
Deon, the son of Randall and Darla Shafer, Warsaw, was selected as the Warsaw District finalist of the Indiana Leaders of Tomorrow program for his volunteer efforts in numerous community projects. Those activities include volunteering at the YMCA; assisting at the local animal shelter; training student athletes through the Tiger Student Athletic Board on how to be positive role models for youth; and service as a student ambassador for WCHS, dedicating time to visit area nursing care facilities.
In addition, Deon has served as a student coordinator for the Library of Congress Veterans History Program, working to prepare a book containing personal interviews with World War II veterans. In that capacity, he attended the 67th annual Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony, meeting many veterans and recording their memories.
Shafer is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Latin Club and Mathletes. He also is a member of the WCHS tennis team, where he was voted team Most Valuable Player and received All-State honors.
He is a member of the National Honor Society and will graduate with an academic honors diploma.
The statewide winner of the Indiana Leaders of Tomorrow program was Eric Zeltwanger of Bremen High School. Zeltwanger was selected as the winner by a panel of judges from more than 260 nominations generated around the state.
"EMBARQ congratulates Deon and all of those who have been nominated in this program," said Jack Moore, EMBARQ public affairs manager. "We are proud to partner with the Times-Union to recognize area youth for the leadership roles they are playing and hope to encourage others to become volunteers in our community."
