Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksSaberi named one of America's 10 outstanding young adults

From the Jaycees:

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is pleased to announce that Roxana Saberi has been named as one of the 2011 Ten Outstanding Young Americans. The presentation of the 73^rd annual black-tie awards ceremony will be held June 11, 2011, at the Wyndham Lisle-Chicago Hotel in Lisle, IL.

Roxana Saberi, human rights' advocate, speaker and freelance journalist, gives presentations about human rights at schools, conferences, and rallies, with a focus on Iran, freedom of expression, and overcoming adversity, often linking these issues to her captivity in 2009 in a Tehran prison and the prisoners of conscience who befriended her there.

Roxana is a nationally and internationally known journalist and speaker who was imprisoned in Iran for 100 days, from January 31 to May 11, 2009. She has written many articles and spoken on human rights violations she experienced and those of her fellow political prisoners who were punished for standing up for their basic human rights. She chronicles her journey in her book, Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran.

Roxana co-wrote a screenplay titled, No One Knows about Persian Cats, which tells the story of young Iranian musicians struggling to pursue their love of music despite the restrictions they face. While this movie is banned in Iran because of its content, it has been a big hit on the black market. Additionally, Roxana has released a music album  inspired by people and events in her book. The compilation includes songs by Iranian musicians as well as her own compositions.

Roxana has a history of donating her time and resources. While growing up in Fargo, she volunteered as a soccer coach, in a nursing home, in a homeless shelter and with a refugee resettlement program. She has donated her skills as a journalist to provide training sessions for writers and business consultants in Iran and elsewhere, and she has spoken about journalism and Iran at conferences, Rotary Clubs, schools and universities in the United States and Europe. Roxana has also set provisions that at least 20 percent of all sales from her album be used to promote human rights in Iran.

In the past two years, Roxana has received a number of awards for her humanitarian efforts. These awards include the East-West Freedom Award from the Levantine Cultural Center, the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) Award, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Award of Valor, the Medill Medal of Courage – Northwestern University, and the Ilaria Alpi Freedom of the Press Award.  She has also been honored as a Female Champion of 2010 by the Japanese-American Citizens League.  Prior to her imprisonment, Roxana received several awards for journalism, including a RTNDF/RIAS Berlin Fellowship and 1^st Place Enterprise Radio Report in 2001 from the North Dakota Associated Press.  She was also chosen for the National Public Radio Diversity Initiative in 2001.

Roxana is serving on the Board of Directors for the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran and on the Advisory Board for United for Iran. She is also a member of the Asian American Journalists Association.

Roxana resides in Fargo, ND.

Also being honored this year are: Jessica Bachus, Founder & President, Dolls for Daughters & Kenzi's Kidz; Drew Brees, Quarterback/Captain, New Orleans Saints; Lucas Daniel Boyce, Community Relations, Government Affairs, Orlando Magic; Major Gene A. Jacobus, Major, United States Air Force; Lisa Miller, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Michigan State University; Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor, City of Pittsburgh; Amy C. Richison, Chief Prosecuting Attorney, Huntington Count Prosecutor's Office; Major Giuseppe Stavale, Major/Provost Marshal, United States Marine Corps; Shane Victorino, Centerfielder, Philadelphia Phillies, President/Founder, Shane Victorino Foundation.

The Ten Outstanding Young Americans program (TOYA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Annually since 1938, The United States Jaycees has sought out the ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America's youthful achievers.  Previous honorees have included Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy, Dick Cheney, Kurt Warner, Gale Sayers, Elvis Presley and Michele Tafoya.

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) gives young people between the ages of 18 and 40 the tools they need to build the bridges of success for themselves in the areas of business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and international connections.