County Executive Adam Bello opens nominations for the 2026 Legislative Youth Awards to recognize leadership and service across Monroe County

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is once again turning the spotlight toward leadership, service, and advocacy as County Executive Adam Bello officially opened nominations for the 2026 Legislative Youth Awards. The annual honors recognize young people, youth teams, and adult advocates whose actions have strengthened neighborhoods, inspired peers, and created lasting, positive change across the county.

Nominations are now being accepted for three distinct awards: Young Citizen of the Year, the Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year, and the Gary Mervis Youth Team Achievement Award. The nomination period will remain open through February 13, 2026, giving residents ample time to highlight individuals and groups whose dedication often unfolds quietly but leaves a powerful impact.

Established by the Monroe County Legislature, the Legislative Youth Awards are among the county’s highest forms of recognition for youth leadership, community service, and advocacy. While the awards focus on different categories, they share a common purpose: honoring people who have taken meaningful action to improve the lives of others at the local level.

Read also: RIT engineering technology professor elected president-elect of national American Society for Engineering Education organization

“Monroe County is a community full of leaders whose advocacy, compassion, and talent are bettering our community,” said County Executive Bello. “As we look forward to the 2026 Legislative Youth Awards, 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 recognizes a youth who demonstrates leadership through positive action at home, in school, and within their neighborhood. This honor is intended for young people who consistently step up, show responsibility, support their peers, and serve as role models through both words and actions. It celebrates the idea that leadership does not require a title, only commitment and care for others.

The Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award shifts the focus to adults who dedicate their time and energy to supporting young people. This award recognizes individuals who advocate for youth safety, health, and success, often working behind the scenes as mentors, organizers, or champions for programs that help young people thrive.

The third honor, the Gary Mervis Youth Team Achievement Award, recognizes a youth team or group that has demonstrated exceptional community service through collective effort. Whether through volunteer work, civic engagement, or grassroots initiatives, the award highlights the power of teamwork and shared responsibility in creating meaningful community impact.

Read also: City R-Centers will open for limited special hours on Thursday, Jan. 15 as a snowstorm forces school closures

Legislature President Yversha Román emphasized that the awards go beyond formal recognition and reflect the everyday leadership displayed by young people across Monroe County.

“The Monroe County Legislative Youth Awards are about more than recognition, they are about celebrating the leadership, compassion, and courage young people bring to our community every day,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “Across Monroe County, young leaders are stepping up, serving others, and shaping a future rooted in care and possibility. I encourage our residents to nominate the individuals, teams, and advocates who remind us just how powerful youth leadership can be.”

County officials note that recognizing young leaders early plays a crucial role in building confidence and encouraging long-term civic engagement. Tony Jordan, Executive Director of the Monroe County Youth Bureau, highlighted the long-lasting influence these acknowledgments can have on young people.

“Recognizing youth for their citizenship and service to our community affirms that their efforts matter and that their voices can create real change. It builds confidence, inspires lifelong civic engagement, and shows young people that leadership begins with action,” said Monroe County Youth Bureau Executive Director Tony Jordan. “These recognitions provide 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.”

Bipartisan leaders within the Monroe County Legislature also voiced strong support for the awards, pointing to the importance of celebrating youth contributions from all corners of the community. Majority Leader Michael Yudelson stressed that the program offers a moment to pause and acknowledge the positive examples set by young residents.

“Every day young people across our County inspire us all through their acts of service, commitment to their community, and sense of responsibility,” said Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “The Monroe County Youth Awards gives us a chance to honor our County’s youth and celebrate their achievements, I encourage you to nominate a young person or youth advocate whose impacts should be recognized.”

Republican Leader Sean McCabe echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the lasting difference made by both young people and the adults who mentor them.

“The service and leadership shown by our County’s youth and the adults who mentor them make a real and lasting difference in our communities every single day,” said Republican Leader Sean McCabe. “The Monroe County Youth Awards give us the opportunity to recognize young people and youth advocates whose selflessness, dedication, and commitment to others set an example for all of us. I encourage residents to nominate a deserving young person, youth team, or youth advocate who has gone above and beyond so we can properly recognize and celebrate their contributions to Monroe County.”

Nomination forms are available online at the Monroe County website and must be submitted by February 13, 2026. Officials note that incomplete applications will not be considered, underscoring the importance of providing full and accurate information when nominating a candidate.

Winners, along with those who submitted nominations, will receive formal invitations to an award ceremony scheduled for April 23, 2026. The event will serve as a public celebration of leadership, service, and advocacy, bringing together families, community members, and county leaders to honor those who are helping shape Monroe County’s future.

As the nomination window opens, county officials encourage residents to take time to reflect on the young people, teams, and advocates in their lives whose dedication deserves recognition. Through these awards, Monroe County continues to affirm that leadership can start at any age—and that meaningful change often begins close to home.