Student Nominations Sought for County's First-Ever YEA! Awards

Greater Brandonites are asked to consider the achievements of middle and high school students in the community when nominating worthy youngsters for an annual award that recognizes achievement in three categories.

Nominations for the 2011 “Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards” will be accepted through the close of business Feb. 25.

The awards recognize Hillsborough County students “who have shown initiative, innovation, a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity." Moreover, these traits can be demonstrated in a variety of pursuits, including " academics, community service, athletics, performing arts and conservation."

Students are eligible for nomination in three categories:

• Leadership  — For youth "demonstrating positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor," such as sports, academics and the arts.
• Success Despite Difficult Odds — For youth "overcoming tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and a positive impact on others."
• Volunteer or Community Service — For youth "allocating their discretionary time to helping others or completing a project that has added to the betterment of the community.

Awards will be announced in April during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. The board created the "YEA! Awards" in 2010 at the request of Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

Applications are accepted online. They also can be printed and filled out for delivery to the Hillsborough County Communications Department, on the first floor of the Fred B. Karl County Center at 601 East Kennedy Blvd. Call: 813-272-5314.