News : Mahood and Lyons Selected As 2011 Party In The Park Junior Grand Marshals.

2011 Junior Grand Marshals Wes Lyons and Kelsey Mahood.

Recent VSHS grads Kelsey Mahood and Wes Lyons have been selected as the 2011 Party in the Park Junior Grand Marshals. They will begin the weekend’s festivities by leading the Kiddie Parade through downtown Vinton on Thursday evening at 6:30.

“These kids have been great role models for the younger kids, VPRD Director Duane Randall said. “They have been very active in the community, and it’s our way to recognize their awesome service to this community.”

Kelsey Mahood is the daughter of Marc Mahood and Stephanie Robinson. She has been involved in speech, chamber choir, show choir, golf, softball, theater, and mentor club. She started a program at the VS High School last year called “Bridging the Generations”, where high school students visited residents of the Vinton Lutheran Home. The students and residents sang karaoke, played games, and really got to know each other in a positive way. “I really enjoyed spending time with the residents there,” she said. Kelsey plans on attending UNI in the fall and entering the nursing program. When asked what she would say to our younger citizens if given the chance, she said, “Keep a positive attitude, and always push toward your goals.”

Wes Lyons is the son of Pat Lyons and Sandy Lyons. He also led an active childhood in Vinton. Wes was involved in ACT I, chamber choir, speech, theater, show choir, concert choir, marching band, National Honor Society, cross country, swimming, basketball, and the Black and Gold service program at VSHS. Wes’ future plans are to attend Drake University majoring in Bio Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology in a Pre Med track. Wes advises younger Vintonians, “Set your priorities and work hard toward your goals, because those are the things that will get you the farthest.”

Congratulations Kelsey Mahood and Wes Lyons, your 2011 Party in the Park Junior Grand Marshals!

For more information on 2011 Party in the Park activities, visit www.vprdzone.com or call VPRD at 319-472-4164.