Ilion High School - Class of 1970

Utica Observer Dispatch - March 16, 1970

Ilion School Senior Outstanding Teen-ager

Article 8

Ilion School Senior Outstanding Teen-ager

Ilion — Ilion High School senior Stephen Applegate, son of Dr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Applegate of 320 Otsego St, has chalked up another first.

On Saturday, Steve was named the first New York State Jaycee Outstanding Teenage Young Man (OTYM) by the state Jaycees in convention in Elmira.

Other firsts to his credit include his selection last summer as exchange student to the Republic of South Africa, a first for Ilion and a first for the Republic.

Stephen, who will be 18 on St. Patrick's Day, received a $750 scholarship and a trophy Saturday. He vied for the state title against nine other teenage young men from across New York State.

He had already won the title in the Utica District and Divisions after tying, for the honor in a local contest in Ilion. Among his earlier awards are two savings bonds, another trophy and several certificates.

Leo Barr, Frankfort, New York State Jaycee Contest chairman, said that Steve was selected by a panel of five judges on the basis of his scholastic ability, extracurricular activities, outstanding achievement appearance, personality and an oral test. The final test was a six minute talk on a a subject of his choice, Barr said.

The OTYM contest originated in Frankfort five years ago. The first year it was local, the second, district-wide, and the last two years, division wide. This year it was state-wide for the the first time, Barr said.

Stephen was among more than 1,000 students to participate in the Americans Abroad Program last summer. He studied in Christian Brothers College in Bloemfontein, the capital city of the Orange Free State, Republic of South Africa.

The Ilion youth is a member of the Student American Field Service chapter in Ilion High School and a member of the Senior Honor Society.

An Eagle Scout, he also hold the God and Country Award (highest spiritual award in scouting). He also is active in St. Augustine's Episcopal Church and is an Acolyte.