February 18th, 2025
Nominations are due February 28, 2025
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced nominations for the Young Citizen of the Year, the Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year, and the Monroe County Youth Team Achievement Award are open through February 28, 2025. These awards, established by the Monroe County Legislature, are one of the highest honors for youth and adult leadership, community service and advocacy in our community. The awards pay tribute to outstanding citizens who have made a local contribution toward advocacy and action.
“Young people in our community are accomplishing incredible things, making a positive impact, and carrying out outstanding acts of service,” said County Executive Bello. “I am asking our community to help us formally recognize their accomplishments. I encourage everyone to nominate a young person, a youth team or an adult advocate to be considered for these prestigious awards.”
The Young Citizen of the Year award is a high honor recognizing a youth who takes positive action in their neighborhood, school and home; exhibits strong leadership skills, provides service to our community and demonstrates care for their peers. The Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award is a high honor for an adult who is dedicated to serving of our youth by advocating for their safety, health and success. A new category this year, the Monroe County Youth Team Achievement Award, is a high honor recognizing a youth team or youth group that has demonstrated exceptional community service together.
"Our young leaders are the driving force behind a brighter future,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “The Youth Awards recognize and celebrate their dedication, innovation, and commitment to positive change. I am calling on our community to nominate outstanding young individuals, a young team, or an adult advocate that is making a difference in our communities. Let’s honor their achievements and inspire the next generation of changemakers."
“We should never underestimate the value of recognizing youth for their citizenship and service to our community,” said Monroe County Youth Bureau Executive Director Tony Jordan. “Recognizing youth acknowledges that we, as adults and leaders in the community, care and believe that youth bring significant value to our communities. Often, a small “pat on the back” is all the fuel a young person needs to continue down the right path and eventually become a future great leader of our community and country.”
"For every news story reporting on problematic youth behavior, there are hundreds of young people working tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our community and to increase their likelihood of success as they become young adults,” said Democratic Leader Michael Yudelson. “As someone who has spent much of my career in youth services, I am proud that County Executive Bello and my Legislature colleagues recognize these young people, as well as adults who advocate on their behalf. If you know of a young person or adult who should be recognized for their efforts, please take a few minutes to submit a nomination.”
"Monroe County is home to exceptional young people and dedicated youth advocates who work tirelessly to strengthen our communities every day," said Republican Leader Steve Brew. "These annual awards provide a well-deserved spotlight on their outstanding contributions and acts of service. I encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate a deserving individual or team so we can recognize and celebrate their impact."
Nomination forms are available online: https://www.monroecounty.gov/youth-award-form and are due by February 28, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Winners and nominators will be notified with a formal invitation to the ceremony to be held on April 24, 2025.
