Nominations Open for the 2025 Legislative Youth Awards, Due February 28

ROCHESTER, NY — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello 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 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.”

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.

"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. “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.”

Winners and nominators will be notified with a formal invitation to the ceremony to be held on April 24, 2025.