BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Kathryn Lynn Lawall, Lyndsay M. Moller and Kerri White are used to being nervous backstage.
But this time, their slight case of stage fright had nothing to do with remembering their lines or preparing the set.
The three Speech & Drama finalists stood amoung Cincinnati's brightest students as they waited to be honored during the 1998 Golden Galaxy Awards at the College of Mount St. Joseph.
"It's very exciting," said Kerri, who attends Ursuline Academy. "It's not every day you get recognized for this kind of thing." She didn't know it then, but Kerri was one of 11 Golden Galaxy winners chosen for demonstrating not only academic achievement, but also community spirit.
The 11 were honored for achievement in art, English, foreign language, general scholarship, journalism, mathematics, music, science, social science, speech and drama, and vocational - technical studies.
Each received a trophy and $500. The two runners-up in each category received a trophy and $250.
Before Wednesday's ceremony, the field of nominees was narrowed to 33 finalists -- three in each category.
After a lively song and dance medley of '50s music by students from the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), nominees and finalists introduced themselves on stage.
John Bryant, executive director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, which co-sponsors the awards with The Cincinnati Enquirer -->and WKRC-TV (Channel 12), said during the ceremony he was "proud and privileged" to be a part of the celebration, which began 10 years ago.
He said all the students being recognized were nominated by their schools.
"That means they are absolutely all winners," Mr. Bryant said.
"This is a time for celebrating all that these young people have accomplished," he said.
Harry M. Whipple, president and publisher of the Enquirer, also acknowledged the judges, teachers, principals, the College of Mount St. Joseph, SCPA, the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, students and parents.
William G. Moll, president and general manager of WKRC-TV, said the recipients of the awards have demonstrated the ability to balance the two best things about human beings: using their heads and their hearts.
One of those winners was LaVaugn J. Daniel of Finneytown High School, in the general scholarship category.
She said her honors wouldn't diminish her volunteer work.
"Just don't let it be the end," she said. "Just keep going." Jared Thorne, winner in the social science category from the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, was amazed that he was even being recognized for "something I do normally."
"I know I've been blessed," Jared said. "I think it's a sin not to help others."
