YEA! Award Nominations: Recognize Local Youth Who Make a Difference

Nominations are being accepted through Feb. 28 for the next round of Youth Excellence and Achievement (YEA!) Awards, presented annually by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners to middle- and high-school students who make a difference in the community.

Created in 2010, the awards program honors students who "show initiative, innovation and a commitment to themselves and others, while pursuing excellence in a leadership capacity." This can be shown "in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts, conservation or other areas."

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Categories For YEA! Awards Recognition

• Leadership — For students who have a positive impact on others in an ongoing endeavor, such as academics, the arts or sports.

• Success Despite Difficult Odds — For students who overcome tremendous personal difficulty to attain success and to have a positive impact on others.

• Volunteer or Community Service — For the student who spends time helping others or completing a project that adds to the betterment of the community.

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How To Nominate A Student For A YEA! Award

• The YEA! Awards nomination form can be completed and submitted online.

• Or, it can be printed and submitted to the Hillsborough County Communications Department.

• Mail to: 601 East Kennedy Blvd., 16^th Floor, Tampa, FL 33602.

• Fax to: 813-276-8495.

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5 Things To Know About Hillsborough's YEA! Awards

• Nominations will be reviewed by the Commission on the Status of Women.

• The YEA! Awards will be presented in the spring, at a meeting of the Hillsborough County Commissioners.

• Last year’s middle-school winners were from Adams, Giunta and Tomlin.

• Last year's high-school winners were from Bloomingdale, Chamberlain and Tampa Preparatory high schools.

• For additional information, visit the Hillsborugh County government Web site. Or, call the Hillsborough County Communications Department at 813-274-6787.

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