ATLANTA--Alex Reeves, a parishioner of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Sandy Springs, was honored Feb. 24 as the outstanding youth of the year.

The award was given at the Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women's recognition day Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Each parish of the archdiocese can select an outstanding woman and youth to recognize at the Mass. From this group, the archdiocesan youth of the year is chosen.

"I was really shocked and very happy," said Reeves. "I had already received the parish award. I didn't even know this award existed. I thought it was really nice though."

A senior at the Marist School, Reeves is a peer leader and an active member of the parish Bible study program which meets weekly. In 1994 he went to the island of Jamaica on a mission trip with his parish youth group to work with orphans.

"To watch this young man outside of his comfort zone, be challenged by the conditions, to be affected by the plight of the orphans was one of my greatest honors," said Jennifer Goodwyn, St. Jude youth minister. "I watched Jesus take this young man's heart and make it his own. I watched him be the hands of Jesus as he worked. I watched his tears fall and will never forget his promise to the children that he would be back."

Reeves, the son of Michael and Mary Reeves, plans to return to Jamaica this summer and fulfill his promise. He also plans to visit Honduras.

At Marist Reeves is a member of the student council, is involved in retreat planning and works with Habitat for Humanity. For his efforts Reeves received a plaque and a $100 savings bond from the AACCW.

Father Paul Berny, spiritual moderator of the AACCW and pastor of St. Gabriel Church, Fayetteville, was the principal celebrant of the recognition day Mass. Msgr. Henry Gracz, pastor of St. James the Apostle Church, McDonough, was the homilist.

The AACCW sponsors the recognition day annually. Thirty-four youth and 50 women from parishes and missions in the archdiocese were recognized for their contributions to the church and community. They were also honored guests at a reception following the Mass.