Young leaders and advocates in Monroe County to be honored for community impact

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is once again demonstrating its youthful change agents and committed activists. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has officially opened nominations for the 2025 Legislative Youth Awards, an initiative designed to recognize those making a real difference in their communities.

Residents are encouraged to submit nominations for three distinguished honors: Young Citizen of the Year, Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year, and the newly introduced Monroe County Youth Team Achievement Award. The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025.

“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.”

Honoring those who inspire change 

The Young Citizen of the Year Award goes to a remarkable young person who shows leadership, dedication to service, and a strong feeling of duty inside their area, school, and home. This award honors young people who surpass every obstacle to bring good change.

The Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award is set aside for adults who have committed themselves to helping young people in Monroe County. Named for the late Willie W. Lightfoot, this award honors those who support the safety, well-being, and success of young people.

The Monroe County Youth Team Achievement Award will honor a young team or group that has cooperatively served the community going forward for 2025. This award will celebrate young individuals who have an effect together whether through creative projects, volunteer work, or activism.

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A call to recognize our future leaders 

“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.”

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How to nominate 

Residents can submit nominations online at this link. Forms must be completed by February 28, 2025—incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ahead of the April 24, 2025 award ceremony, Monroe County will commemorate the successes of its most committed young leaders and activists by notifying winners and their nominators.

This is more than just an award—it’s a community-driven initiative to celebrate those shaping the future. If you know someone who deserves recognition, now is the time to make sure their contributions don’t go unnoticed.