Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 9, Brian W. Snelling of Exeter Township has never let the disease get the best of him. In fact, the disease has always challenged the 18-year-old Exeter High School senior to do his best. With aspirations to become an aerospace engineer like his grandfather, Brian has career dreams, like many students. But he already has demonstrated a commitment to community service, with nearly 1,234 hours served during his high school career.

Brian has been selected the winner of the top community service honor, the Taylor Seitzinger Award, in Reading Eagle Company's annual Berks Best scholarship project. Since 2004, he has been one of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's general ambassadors. Brian also has been an educational speaker, camp counselor and fundraiser for muscular dystrophy.  He has been personally responsible for raising $10,000 to fight the disease, and has persuaded family and about 20 friends to join in many of his fundraising efforts. "I became an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on day one (of his diagnosis), fundraising for the summer camp and organization," Brian said. He said his advocacy work has trickled over to his involvement with the nonprofit agency program called Spark the Wave.

Brian teaches his peers about leadership and inspires other youths to become involved in their community. He has received the Gold Presidential Service Award twice for his work with Spark the Wave. A singer and musician, both pit percussionist and pianist, Brian is involved in a host of school musical organizations and maintains a grade point average of 4.0. He also is active in mission trips to western Pennsylvania and Kentucky with his church, Community United Church of Christ, St Lawrence, and works as a greeter 20 hours a week at a car dealership. "There are many nights when I am not at home until past 9 p.m., many nights when I feel like I live out of my car," Brian said. He is tremendously busy, reaching out to touch the lives of others.

"Service isn't about the hours that I document and turn in to the guidance office," he said. "It has become an integral part of my life. Service is about making a difference in the world, changing lives through simple acts of kindness and unselfishness."

Parents or guardians: William and Deanne Snelling

Awards and honors: Two gold presidential service awards; Muscular Dystrophy Association general ambassador; Lions Club and physics student of the month; National Honor Society; marching band (section leader, percussion); district and county chorus.

Activities highlights: Marching band, pit percussion section leader; senior high school musical; junior high school musical pit orchestra; District 10 and Berks County chorus; choral accompanist; honors choir.

Career or life goal: My career goal is to become an engineer in the field of aeronautics just like my grandfather, and become someone who revolutionizes the industry. I want all the usual successes like promotions, but ultimately I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference in some aspect.

Post-high school plans: I plan to major in aerospace engineering at one of four schools; Drexel, Penn State, University of Virginia or Princeton. While in college, I plan to further my work with both Spark the Wave and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, continuing fundraisers and both camps and bringing college friends into both. Upon graduation, I will become employed and then return to graduate school for either a master's or doctorate degree.