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 Ten Outstanding Young Men program was officially adopted in 1938 and has been conducted annually since 1940. In 1984, The U.S. Junior Chamber admitted women as members and, in accordance with this change, reorganized this awards program to reflect the organization’s membership. In 1985, the program was officially changed to Ten Outstanding Young Americans, recognizing the accomplishments of young women and men.

Winners are 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.

Copies of all entries 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.

Of the more than 600 young Americans honored, many were recognized before the achievements for which they are now known: John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, Ann Bancroft, Gale Sayers, Elvis Presley, Dan Quayle, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, Larry Holmes, Bill Clinton, Jeanna Yeager, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko-Wilson. Refer to the USJC website for a complete listing of the past honorees.

2010

Ten Outstanding Young Americans

Master Sergeant “Bo” Charles Abiodun, 38, Lancaster, California. Upon graduating high school he entered the Air Force. His first assignment was to March AFB in California as an aircraft fuel system specialist. Aspiring for greater challenges, he went on to a career in maintenance management production “maintenance production management”. He is currently assigned to the 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Edwards AFB where he advises teams on the production efforts of the $2.8 billion F-35 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Program.

Dan Caro, 30, Mandeville, Louisiana. In spite of being burned at age two, suffering third degree burns over seventy percent of his body and the loss of his right hand and most of his left, Dan has become an exceptional drummer. In addition to music, Dan is an Ambassador for the Shriners of North America. He is a professional speaker and accomplished writer with his first book titled “The Gift of Fire: How I Made Adversity Work for Me”.

Lisa Gibson, 40, Colorado Springs, Colorado. At age 18, Lisa’s life was shaped when she lost her brother to the terrorist attack on Pan Am Flight 103. In July 2006, Lisa started the Peace and Prosperity Alliance (PPA) to bridge the gap between the developed and developing world through cross-cultural partnerships between governments, business, civic and religious leaders. She has travelled to several war-torn countries, including Libya, spreading her message of love, hope and reconciliation.

Aaron Kampman, 30, Green Bay, Wisconsin. One of the NFL’s finest defensive ends, Aaron was recently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars via Green Bay. He has been recognized throughout his high school and professional athletic career with numerous awards and recognition, including a two time appearance at the Pro Bowl. As an outstanding community leader and missionary volunteer, he will tell you that these accomplishments and work mean more to him as a person.

Kayla Ruth Martell, 21, Milford, Delaware. In 2004, months before graduating one year earlier than anticipated from high school she founded P.L.E.D.G.E. – People Learning to Eliminate Drugs by Gaining Education motivated by a loss of a friend to drugs. In 2005, she founded a second organization, Caps 4 YAPs (Youth Alopecia Patients) which educates people on the effects of the disease and provides hats to children affected. In 2006, she began her amazing pageant career.

Lieutenant Amanda Leigh Reed, 25, Kadena Air Base, Japan. In 2003 she graduated with honors from high school and went on to the United States Air Force Academy where she graduated in 2007 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. She currently serves as the Assistant Officer in Charge of the 67th Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Unit responsible for 225 Airmen and 27 F-15 aircraft worth over $1.2 Billion.

Sean Welch Shumate, 39, Louisville, Kentucky. Paralyzed from the waist down in January 1992, from a car accident, Sean has accomplished national and international fencing achievements as well as making major strides in turning around some of the most neglected elderly nursing facilities around the country. He started fencing in 1996 and in 2004 competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece as one of only five men selected for the United States team.

Daniel Stephen Sullivan, 30, Boston, Massachusetts. At the age of 20, Dan became the youngest full-time legislative aide in the Massachusetts State House. He pursued his bachelor’s degree in government in the evenings, graduating from Harvard University (Ext). Currently Dan serves as Aide to the Dean of the House. He is a graduate of the Leadership for Change program at Boston College. He has made a commitment to making government work better.

Benjamin John Symko, 32, Grand Rapids, Michigan. On his own since he was 16, a high school drop out and incarcerated during his late teen years he had given up on life. His life changed when he entered public serv ice working with heroin add icts in Italy and then at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. After returning to the States, he pursued an education and graduated with high honors from Law School. In law, his practice areas include criminal defense, civil litigation, and social security disability.

Kurt Warner, 38, Phoenix, Arizona. A two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, Kurt has had amazing success in his career as an NFL quarterback but that success pales in comparison to the dedication he devotes to the community. First Things First Foundation was established by the Warner’s in 2001 to promote Christian values and bless the lives of others with various projects and has contributed more than $1.5 million towards these on-going projects.