Youth C of C Winners for 2016


Darren Corapcioglu, age 16 from Germantown, Maryland, was crowned as 2016 Youth Grand Champion at the AAPE Youth Champion of Champions (C of C) competition held during APS StampShow in Portland, OR, August 4-7, 2016.

This year's event included 10 competitive exhibits created by youth aged 11 - 18. Exhibitors qualified for the Championship by winning AAPE Youth Grand Awards at nationally accredited shows in the U.S. and Canada throughout the season (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016). Besides the designation of "Grand Champion", many other donated awards were presented. In recognition of their high level of achievement, all participants received Fran Jennings memorial medals. Awards consisted of cash and memberships; all participants received 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 2015-2016. Donated by WESTPEX. Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

Reserve Champion - Donated by WESTPEX. Presented to Alexandra Fillion (15) representing APS StampShow 2015, "Dairy Products of the Cow"

Traditional Award - Donated by WESTPEX. Best traditional exhibit. Presented to Matthew Gaiser (18) representing ORAPEX 2016, "NHL All-Stars Series"

Howard Hotchner Award - For the best portrayal of American History. Donated by John Hotchner. Presented to Adam Mangold (17) representing Minnesota Stamp Show 2015, "Building a Nation … One State at a Time"

ISWSC Award - Best use of worldwide stamps and material. Donated by International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors. Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

American Topical Association Youth Award and ATA Membership Award - Donated by Don Smith for Best topical exhibit. Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

Collectors Club of Chicago Awards -
  1. TITLE PAGE Award - Alexandra Fillion (15) representing APS StampShow 2015, "Dairy Products of the Cow"
  2. SYNOPSIS PAGE Award - Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"
  3. RESEARCH Award - Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

WESTPEX Awards
  1. WESTPEX Philatelic Write-up Award - Presented to Jeffrey Varga (11), representing Filatelic Fiesta 2015, "Maersk Group"
  2. WESTPEX Creativity Award - Presented to Alexandra Fillion (15), representing AmeriStamp Expo 2016, "What a Princess Wants"
  3. WESTPEX Judges' Choice Award with Felicitations - Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"
  4. WESTPEX International Award -- Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

APS Membership Award - Donated by Ken Martin. Presented to Jeffrey Varga (11), representing Filatelic Fiesta 2015, "Maersk Group"

AAPE Membership Award - Donated by the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors. Presented to Darren Corapcioglu (16), representing BALPEX, "The Universe"

Potentiality Memorial Awards in memory of Sid Nichols and Chet Allen - Donated by the Pinnacle Stamp Club, Little Rock, Arkansas. Presented to Mia Fillion (12), representing StampShow 2015 by Invitation, "The USDA 'MyPlate' Food Plate - Mapping out the Foods" and to Jeffrey Varga (11), representing Filatelic Fiesta 2015, "Maersk Group"

The Spirit Award in memory of Chris Winters, MD - Donated by the Pinnacle Stamp Club, Little Rock, Arkansas. Presented to Mia Fillion (12), representing AmeriStamp 2016, "The USDA 'MyPlate' Food Plate - Mapping out the Foods"

The Most Improved Award - Donated by the Pinnacle Stamp Club, Little Rock, Arkansas. Presented to Mia Fillion (12), representing AmeriStamp 2016 by Invitation, "The USDA 'MyPlate' Food Plate - Mapping out the Foods"

AAPE thanks all the generous individuals and organizations, which have so graciously donated these awards for our aspiring youth exhibitors.