WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino and the Westchester County Youth Bureau are currently accepting nominations for the 2016 Milly Kibrick Youth Service Awards. The awards honor young men and women who actively demonstrate leadership in community service, particularly in the areas of community empowerment; science, technology, engineering and math; or innovative thinking.
“Young people are capable of inspiring their peers and adults alike,” Astorino said. “The Milly Kibrick Awards honor kids who lead by showing us all how to be of service to our neighbors in ways that benefit the entire community.”
Nominees must be current high-school juniors graduating with the class of 2017 and residents of Westchester County. These students should exhibit a commitment to and leadership in the areas outlined below. The Youth Board will select up to 10 students for recognition at an awards dinner on October 19, 2016, at a location to be announced at a later date.
The Milly Kibrick Youth Service Awards are given in memory of Milly Kibrick, a prominent county social worker and youth activist who dedicated her life to helping underprivileged children. During her career and in retirement, she was the quintessential social worker, social entrepreneur, volunteer and political activist pursuing social and economic justice for children of all ages.
For more information contact Veronica Vargas at rvv3@westchestergov.com or (914) 995-3918. Nominators must return the completed nomination form no later than April 21, 2016.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to nominate a special youth who you believe works extremely hard to make a difference.
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Criteria for Nomination
In your written description, specifically describe the nominee’s most remarkable community service efforts and activities in his or her school, in the local community or even across the globe. How have his or her actions made life better for others? We are particularly interested in understanding how these activities reflect the criteria listed below (25 points each):
· Commitment to Learning: Young people need to develop a lifelong commitment to empowering those in their educational environment and their community as they strive to ensure environmental, educational, and economic justice.
· Positive Values: Young people need to develop strong values that guide their choices. These values include helping other people, promoting equality and social empowerment, integrity, honesty and responsibility.
· Social Competencies: Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, build relationships, and succeed in life. They can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations and seek to resolve conflicts nonviolently.
· Pro-active Identity: Self-directed young people demonstrate leadership and take initiative. Students should excel beyond fulfilling basic community service requirements.