North High School student honored as Outstanding Teenager In Community

Motivated, dedicated and extraordinary are just a few words chosen to describe Joseph Maxwell who has been recognized by Next Step Magazine as a 2007 Super Teen. As a result of this honor, Maxwell will be featured on the cover of the March/April issue of the magazine.

Next Step Magazine, online at www.nextSTEPmag. com, is a nationally distributed college, career and life-planning magazine for high school students. The Super Teens contest was founded to honor outstanding teenagers in the community. Now in its 10th year, the 2007 contest recognized 161 Super Teens throughout the U.S.

"The Super Teen award is given to students whose performance extends beyond the classroom walls," said Laura Jeanne Hammond, editor-in-chief of Next Step Magazine. "We are pleased to recognize Joseph with this prestigious award.

Teens, like Maxwell are not only dedicated to their academic careers, but are also actively involved in their community. In fact, according to a recent Next Step survey of these super teens, more than half spend four or more hours per week participating in community service activities with almost 10 percent volunteering 10 or more hours a week. Ninety-eight percent of the teens surveyed are also members of their high school math or science club, school newspaper, sports team or drama club, underscoring their ability to manage their time.

When asked what makes them stand apart from their peers, the majority of students felt it was their commitment to reaching goals and strict work ethic. These qualities will serve them well in the future, as 44 percent are looking towards challenging careers in either politics, teaching or medicine.

"Each year we are amazed at the teens' accomplishments," Hammond said. "At a young age they are conscious about the importance of focusing on their education and helping others, which will provide valuable life lessons for life after high school."