Alabama Public Television's 2003 Young Heroes.

Derensky Cooper
Lanett, Alabama
Currently ranked #1 in his class, Derensky Cooper of Lanett, Alabama raised funds to attend the Alabama Governor’s School Summer Honors Program at Samford University and the Howard University International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program in Washington, DC. Derensky has also served as President of the National Honor Society, Student Council President, Key Club President, Junior Civitan President, Yearbook Editor and Scholar’s Bowl Captain.

Margaret Dunnavant
Birmingham, Alabama
Despite years in unstable foster homes and disruptions in school, Margaret Dunnavant will now graduate in the top of her class. She plans to attend college and hopes to earn a degree in Social Work to help others overcome adversity. She is also involved with Future Crime and Community Leaders of America, and is a tireless advocate for children in foster care.

David Andrew Ferguson
Albertville, Alabama
Eagle Scout David Ferguson rescued a man from drowning during Spring Break in March. David is a member of the National Honor Society; the All County Academic Team in football, basketball and tennis; state winner of the “To Kill A Mockingbird” essay contest sponsored by the University of Alabama. Ferguson serves as a member of the Albertville First Baptist Student Ministry Outreach program and Albertville Chamber of Commerce Junior Board of Directors.

Jared Michael Rehm
Mobile, Alabama
Jared, who was born with spina bifida, is captain of the Lakeshore Lakers wheelchair basketball team and is one of the top junior wheelchair tennis players in the country. A constant source of inspiration for his younger siblings, Jared is the President of the SGA at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. Jared is a member of the School Pride Club, Friends of Exceptional Children, the Ambassadors Club, National Honor Society and the Campus Ministry.

Emily Looney
Marion, Alabama
Emily Looney has maintained an exceptional GPA while serving on Rifle Team and as a member of the Marion Military Institute’s marching band. She has served as SGA president for four consecutive years and played principal roles in music, drama and ballet. Looney serves as activity coordinator at the local nursing home in Marion and as a cantor for her church.

Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award

Evan Salter
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Judges also chose to honor one student with the first annual "Marissa Feigelson Community Service Award." Marissa Feigelson, a talented and courageous young woman who died in February 2001of leukemia, was one of six winners of the first Alabama Young Heroes Awards.

Fifteen-year-old Evan Salter of Mountain Brook puts in more volunteer hours at the Birmingham Zoo then anyone else - nearly the hours of a full-time employee. Evan worked as a Reptile Keeper 4 days a week, 8 hours a day for the entire summer where he was thoroughly trained in animal husbandry and handling techniques for all animals within the Reptile Department. Salter is currently a member of the zoo’s planning committee for numerous zoo events.