(3/10/2004) In less than five years after graduating college, Richard Vallaster, III has done more for his community than most people set out to accomplish in a decade. In recognition of his accomplishments, the Maryland Jaycees have proudly named Vallaster as this year's Outstanding Young Marylander.

"I am honored to receive this award," Vallaster said. "Community involvement is very important to me, and I am proud to be recognized by an organization which is as committed to local communities as I am."

Vallaster was nominated for the award by The Frederick Jaycees and was selected from numerous candidates from across the state. He will represent Maryland at the national assembly where the 2004 "Ten Outstanding Young Americans" are announced.

Professionally, Vallaster's most recent success was co-founding the local marketing and creative services firm, Creosote Affects. The company serves a variety of clients ranging from institutions of higher education and local businesses to large corporations and statewide non-profit organizations.

Vallaster is highly active within the Frederick community, volunteering on multiple committees for the City of Frederick's Office of Special Events. He is currently serving his fourth year as the volunteer chairman of the city's "In the Street" festival, an event that attracts more than 60,000 visitors to the downtown business district. Vallaster also serves as vice president of Cultural Events for Educating Frederick (CEEF) and is active with his alma mater, Bridgewater College, on various volunteer committees.

Vallaster is a 1999 cum laude graduate of Bridgewater College, where he was recognized as a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. As an undergraduate student, Vallaster received the college's Outstanding Service and Leadership award. He was named a "People to Watch" by Frederick Magazine in 2002, and in May, will complete his Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Mount St. Mary's College.

The Outstanding Young Marylander project recognizes and honors Marylanders each year that exemplify the best attributes of the state's young people (ages 21 through 39). Winners are selected based upon their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following areas: personal improvement; social improvement of major contemporary problems; politics or government service; and moral and religious leadership. Other well-known recipients of this prestigious award include Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich and television talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

For more information on the Outstanding Young Marylander program and the Maryland Jaycees, please visit www.mdjaycees.org.