Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. co-Founders Robert A.J. and Philip M. Eslick are pleased to announce the winners of the "Kids of Distinction" program, created to recognize exceptional youngsters in the Town of Oyster Bay.

The winners were selected by the organization Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., which established a committee to judge applications and among this year's eight winners was seventh grader Elizabeth Ann Mastellone of Hicksville.

Elizabeth has volunteered for many organizations and charitable causes. Through her local hair salon, she cut and donated 12 inches of her hair for the Locks of Love Foundation. At Our Lady of Mercy in Hicksville, Elizabeth has participated in a clothing drive, Coats for Kids campaign and local food pantry. She has also helped collected aluminum can soda tabs to help dialysis patients and participated in a "Bikes for Africa" program with Westbury High School.

In addition, Elizabeth has helped 'Save the Dunes' by planting sea grass at local beaches, has assisted the Bide-A-Wee pet shelter with towel and newspaper collection, has participated in the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project and has been involved in the decoration of graves at Pinelawn Memorial Cemetery, helping to honor American soldiers.

For all of her tremendous work and dedication, Elizabeth received the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. In a letter received from the President himself, Elizabeth was recognized for demonstrating the outstanding character of America and thanked for helping to strengthen our country. Today, the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to recognize her as a 2008 'Kid of Distinction.'

In addition to Elizabeth Ann Mastellone, this year's "Kids of Distinction" are fifth grader Abigail Cowit of Syosset, sixth grader Rachel Konel of Plainview, eighth grader Shane Reilly of Oyster Bay, junior David Weiss of Jericho, senior Rachel Albert of Plainview, senior Robert Cremmins of Massapequa and senior Ashley Kim of Sea Cliff.

"We have so many exceptional young people living in the town that I'm certain it wasn't easy selecting just a handful of recipients," Supervisor Venditto said. "I thank the committee for its hard work and dedication in designating these fine eight individuals."

"This program is very much geared toward recognizing activities done on a youngster's own initiative," Philip Eslick said. "We are recognizing kids who participate in activities for the benefit of their community of neighborhood, outside of school-related activities."

Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. Executive Director, Robert F. Eslick would like to thank John Pickett of Atlantic Millennium Auto Group for their financial support and sponsorship of the Kids of Distinction Scholarships.

"We believe kids can and do make a world difference, and gladly support Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc. and the Kids of Distinction Program," said Pickett.

Other sponsors included Claude Zarate of Empire Bakery Equipment, Herb Hagemann of Tompkins Square Distributors-Pepsi and Jenn Hellenbeck of Staples.

"On behalf of the Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way Inc. Board of Directors, its members and the Kids of Distinction Selection Committee, we sincerely thank Supervisor John Venditto and the entire Town of Oyster Bay Board for its support and involvement in the Kids of Distinction Program," co-founders Robert A.J. Eslick and Philip M. Eslick said. "We also thank our generous sponsors for allowing each award recipient to receive a $1,000 scholarship."

Kids of Distinction winners were recognized during a special ceremony at the June 24 meeting of the Oyster Bay Town Board, at which time they were presented with a plaque and scholarship from Kids Helping Kids.

"There are many young individuals who have contributed to the great quality of life we enjoy here in the Town of Oyster Bay. We felt it was important to recognize our young residents who involve themselves in voluntary community, charity or civic activities on their own individual initiative," Venditto said. "This provides a perfect opportunity for them to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. They will surely stand as role models for their peers."