Chicagoan Nichyria Byrd, an 11 year-old participant in Girls on the Run, has been nominated for ESPN's first-ever "Youth Achievement Award" as part of the 2008 ESPYs.

Nichyria, a 5th grader at Ariel Community Academy, is one of only five nominees from across the country, and the only from the Midwest.  Her nomination reflects not just her own leadership on and off the course, but also celebrates the achievement of every Girls on the Run participant.

The winner will be selected based on online voting through June 15th, so we're asking everyone to vote for Nichyria today, and forward this e-mail to your friends, family and co-workers as well.

Click here to vote for Nichyria today! 

Thanks in advance for your support,

Kelly O'Brien

P.S.  If you haven't met Nichyria yet, watch our video.