The Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) is an annual event in May that recognizes deserving youth between the ages of 12-18 in several different categories: Advocacy, Arts & Culture, Environment, Leadership, Peer Support, Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Volunteerism. The awards are not academic, rather, they focus on leadership, friendship, overcoming a personal challenge and community service. The finalists, along with their family, friends, and the public are welcome to purchase a ticket and attend the Youth of Distinction Awards. At the ceremony, guests will watch the recipient of each category be announced, enjoy brunch, entertainment and other celebrations of the amazing youth in our city.
The YODA Steering committee is comprised of 8-10 youth between the ages of 12-18. Youth members of the YODA Steering Committee will meet twice a month and plan the entirety of the event – from the selection of recipients; choosing the entertainment, food, decor, etc; to marketing and promotion. Applications for the youth members of the YODA Steering Committee are available in August/September and are selected in October of each year.
To nominate a youth, click on the categories below to fill out the online application form. If you’d like to manually fill out the application form, download our printer-friendly version here.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE YOUTH OF DISTINCTION AWARDS ARE NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU!