East Towne Store Recognizes Rio Teenager | Business

Teen retailer Aéropostale from the East Towne Mall is celebrating the eight winners of its 2010 Real Teens contest held earlier this year.

The Aéropostale Real Teens winners were chosen for being everyday teens that stand out in extraordinary ways.  They exude leadership, dedication and passion in everything they do, according to company officials.

In a sea of 6,000 applicants, local teen Calvin Canales of Rio was one of the eight winners. Canales will receive a $5,000 scholarship from Aéropostale.

Canales wowed organizers with his athletic accomplishments and volunteer work. He set up a youth wrestling team in Rio and has gone on two mission trips to the Dominican Republic. He is also a volunteer aid in a kindergarten class, is active in football and wrestling and helps his school promote healthy alternatives to alcohol and other drugs.

A reception will be held in his honor on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Towne Mall location.