The Delaware County Youth Bureau is seeking nominations for young people, volunteers, community groups and professionals who have made a meaningful contribution to the lives of local youth.
The 41st annual Youth Awards Banquet is scheduled for Oct. 28 at the Castle in Walton. The event recognizes youth volunteers as well as adults who give their time to support young people. Adults working in paid positions also may be nominated when they have gone beyond the requirements of their jobs to benefit youth.
Nominations are due Sept. 28, with a final deadline of Oct. 2.
The Youth Bureau is encouraging residents to consider candidates in several categories, including those whose accomplishments may be less visible but reflect significant personal challenges.
The Outstanding Youth Worker award recognizes youth, adult volunteers or professionals who have had direct contact with young people and contributed to their positive growth and development.
The Outstanding Young Humanitarian award is open to people under 21 who have given their time and effort to help an individual or the community without seeking personal gain.
The Fund Raiser for Youth Projects award recognizes youth or adult volunteers who have made an outstanding effort to raise money for a project that benefits youth.
The Outstanding Youth Group award honors groups of young people involved in community service. Eligible groups can include 4-H clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, FFA chapters, church organizations and school clubs.
The Outstanding Worker Against Substance Abuse award may go to a young person, adult volunteer or professional involved in efforts to address substance abuse. Examples include participants in Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, and Alateen programs.
The Personal Growth award is reserved for people under 21 and focuses on overcoming adversity rather than academic or extracurricular achievement.
The Youth Bureau said the award is intended for young people who have overcome obstacles to reach a goal or maintained balance in their lives despite physical or personal difficulties. Participation in numerous activities or good grades are not necessarily factors in selecting recipients.
Nomination ballots are available through the Delaware County Youth Bureau. Nominees and the people who nominate them will receive invitations to the banquet.
Award recipients will receive dinner at no cost and may invite one, and possibly two, family members or friends at no charge. Additional guests will be charged approximately $30 per person.
Those interested in submitting a nomination or requesting a ballot can contact Lara Yambor at the Delaware County Youth Bureau at 607-832-5310.
The Youth Bureau is particularly encouraging nominations for young people whose personal accomplishments may not be reflected in traditional measures of achievement.
