Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology freshman Ryan Nevitt was among 10 youth leaders to receive the 2003 Yoshiyama Award from the Hitachi Foundation for exemplary community service. He was honored at a luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

After reading about the benefit of cell phone access for victims of domestic violence, Nevitt sought to involve his hometown of Iota, La., and neighboring areas in the national "Call-to-Protect" cell phone drive.

Nevitt organized a "Donate-a-Phone" campaign to collect recycled cell phones, which are reprogrammed by Motorola to dial 911 and then given to victims of abuse. The project collected more than 1,000 cell phones.

"I wanted to show that young people can have an active role in their communities," Nevitt said. "I couldn't stand by and see people hurting in my hometown. I just wanted to have a voice."

The mechanical engineering major also approached Faith House, an outreach office for domestic violence victims in Crowley, La., to investigate other areas of need and initiated a collection of personal items for battered women and children.

"We need more young men like Ryan," Rockie Oge, Faith House coordinator, told The Baton Rouge Advocate. "He is an engaging young man, and adults respond to him. He opened doors for us at Faith House and made inroads where we haven't been able to."

Nevitt initiated his own campaign to educate the community and state about domestic and teen violence issues. He has made presentations at community events, written and aired public service announcements, submitted articles to newspapers and Websites, posted flyers he created with answers to frequently asked questions, and distributed brochures. He also helped renovate homes for mentally retarded persons and organized food drives for victims of hurricanes.

A total of 499 youths were nominated for the Yoshiyama Award this year.