Youth C of C Winners for 2008


Dzintars Grinfelds of California is the winner of the 2008 Youth Champion of Champions competition sponsored by the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors (AAPE). Dzintars has competed in the championship for the last ten years and has been the AAPE Youth Champion of Champions several times. The event was held in conjunction with INDYPEX, a World Series of Philately exhibition held in Indianapolis , Indiana , June 27-29, 2008. The Championship, which is underwritten by a grant from World Columbian Stamp Expo, is directed by Robert and Carol Barr of Downers Grove, Illinois .

This year's competition included thirteen exhibits (37 frames) prepared by youth aged 8 - 18. Winners of AAPE Youth Grand Awards from nationally accredited shows in the U.S. and Canada vied for the designation "Youth Champion of Champions" and for many other donated awards. In recognition of their high level of achievement, all participants received Fran Jennings medals (co-sponsored by the Postal History Foundation and AAPE) and membership in Young Stamp Collectors of America, donated by Ken Martin, as well as Merit Certificates and ribbons.

The complete listing of awards is as follows:

Youth Champion of Champions - the best youth exhibit shown in North America in 2007-2008. Donated by WESTPEX. Winner also received Ken Lawrence framed stamps. Presented to Dzintars Grinfelds (18), " '3-Star' Issues of Latvia - 1921-1933" (representing Boxborough 2007).

Welsh Philatelic Society Postal History Award - for the best postal history exhibit. Donated by Ann Triggle. Presented to Dzintars Grinfelds (18), " '3-Star' Issues of Latvia - 1921-1933" (representing Boxborough 2007).

Howard Hotchner Award - for the best portrayal of American History. Donated by John Hotchner. Presented to John Phillips (12), "Faces and Places of the Civil War" (representing St. Louis Stamp Expo 2008).

NAPEX Awards.
A) NAPEX Title Page Award - Presented to Tim Hodge (16), "The World of Wild Cats" (representing VAPEX 2007).
B) NAPEX Creativity Award - Presented to John Phillips (12), "Faces and Places of the Civil War" (representing St. Louis Stamp Expo 2008).
C) NAPEX Topical Award - Presented to Tim Hodge (16), "Falconiforms: Birds of Prey" (representing ROPEX 2007).
D) NAPEX Thematic Award - Presented to Sabrina McGill (12), "Zoofari" (representing INDYPEX 2007).
E) NAPEX Research Award - Presented to Tim Hodge (16), "Falconiforms: Birds of Prey" (representing ROPEX 2007).

WESTPEX Awards
A) WESTPEX Write-up Award - Presented to Dzintars Grinfelds (18), "'3-Star' Issues of Latvia - 1921-1933" (representing Boxborough 2007).
B) WESTPEX Flora and Fauna Award - Presented to Shannon Madigan (12), "The Wonders of Animals" (representing Ameristamp Expo 2008).
C) WESTPEX Award of Excellence - Presented to Jared Barron (11), "Maple Leaf Stamps of Canada " (representing VANPEX 2007).
D) WESTPEX Worldwide Award - Presented to Alexander Faulkner (14), "Sports on Stamps" (representing Edmonton National 2007).


APS Membership Award - Donated by Ken Martin - Presented to Amber O'Reilly (15), "In Come the Pigs" (representing RPSC Royal 2007).

American Topical Association Youth Award - Presented to Amber O'Reilly (15), "In Come the Pigs" (representing RPSC Royal 2007).

ATA Membership Award - Donated by Johnstown Junior Stamp Club - Presented to Sherri Biendarra (15), "The Olympics - Let the Games Begin" (representing NTSS 2007).

Potentiality Memorial Awards in memory of Sid Nichols and Chet Allen - Donated by the Pinnacle Stamp Club, Little Rock , Arkansas. - Presented to Trevor Thomas (10), "The Game of Soccer" (representing ARIPEX 2008); and, Jenna Smith (9), "My Favorite Animals" (representing the Minnesota Stamp Expo 2007).

The Caring Award in memory of Chris Winters, MD - Donated by the Pinnacle Stamp Club, Little Rock , Arkansas. - Presented to John Phillips (12), "Faces and Places of the Civil War" (representing St. Louis Stamp Expo 2008).

Unique Girl's Award - Donated by Sandy Morris. - Presented to Emma Sorenson (8), "Dogs" (representing MILCOPEX 2007).