Youth Inspire! Award Nominations Being Accepted Through November 19
Posted October 14, 2004
Speak text (Explanation)
Nominations are now being sought for the Youth Inspire! award, the Sacramento County Office of Education has announced. Youth Inspire! recognizes the positive efforts, strong character, and achievements of young people throughout Sacramento County. The program is being presented by the Asset Development Center of the County Office and the Youth Inspire! Partnership Council.
Those eligible for nomination are Sacramento County residents, ages 5-21 years, who are making positive contributions to their community and/or demonstrating significant achievement or character. Any adult — including parents, teachers, employers, tutors, mentors, neighbors, medical and social services professionals and clergy — may submit a nomination. Nominations may also be submitted by an organization. All youth found to have met the program's criteria will receive the Youth Inspire! award, which will consist of a personalized letter of congratulations, a certificate and an invitation to an awards ceremony. The names of nominators will remain confidential.
Youth Inspire! nomination forms will be accepted through November 19, 2004. The nomination form is available online or by calling (916) 228-2200. An electronic or camera-ready print version of the nomination form is available for online use or reprint by contacting the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2200.
Youth Inspire! was launched in 2002 by the Asset Development Center of the Sacramento County Office of Education and the Youth Inspire! Partnership Council. The first Youth Inspire! project was a great success, according to Nancy Hafer, Youth Inspire! Project Coordinator, with 250 young people in Sacramento County receiving the award. She said that the targeted populations for this award are the "unsung heroes" of the community. "This award is designed to provide a vehicle to celebrate and honor the many young people of Sacramento County who are positive, engaged in healthy behaviors and are working to be their best. They are the youth who demonstrate heroic resilience, community service and/or strength of character. This award is meant for the youth who may not be a straight-A student, but perhaps assists his or her elderly neighbor with yard work, tutors another student in school, or who resists negative peer pressure." She pointed out as another example the student who might be struggling with a chronic health issue. "Young people who are disabled or suffer from chronic illness are often unable to attend school regularly but are fine examples of resilient youth who provide inspiration to their families, friends and others," said Hafer.
Hafer cited studies showing that when youth feel "valued and useful... [they] show many positive outcomes, including better mental health, higher levels of moral reasoning, and more involvement in the community." However, Hafer reported that too often, young people experience a "disconnection" from the communities in which they live. A recent survey showed that just 20% of adolescents believe they are "valued by the community," and only 24% feel they are used as resources within the community. Ironically, 83% of youth in that same survey reported "helping others," 71% reported overcoming adversity and 68% exhibited leadership skills.
"When youth are contributing to their community, and making a positive difference, we need to recognize their efforts," stated Hafer. Agreed Angel Keil, Partnership Council member and student at San Juan High School, "Knowing that we make a difference is important. This award gives us something to look forward to, and that we will be recognized for our positive influences." Several youth who have received Youth Inspire! awards told the Youth Inspire! Partnership Council that the award was special because "someone took the time to fill out the form." One specifically mentioned, "I never thought anyone would pay attention to what I do, but now that I received this award, I know that others do pay attention and urge me to do more."
Hafer said that the Youth Inspire! project is designed to acknowledge the positive contributions of youth to the community as well as to help overcome stereotypes that adults often hold about young people. She said, "Youth Inspire! will recognize the contributions of youth to their families and communities; will applaud their efforts, achievements and character; and will share their stories of service, courage and hope with others."
Youth Inspire! Partnership Council members include representatives from Elk Grove Unified School District, Center Unified School District, Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Robla School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District, University of California Cooperative Extension, 4H, Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services, Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance, California Parks and Recreation Society, Sacramento City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Sacramento County Office of Education.
For details about the Youth Inspire! project or the Asset Development Center, contact Project Specialist Lynn Milan at the Sacramento County Office of Education: (916) 228-2449 or lmilan@scoe.net.
