York County Seeks Youth Commission Members, Outstanding Youth Nominations

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, February 09, 2011

York County has put out the call for responsible young citizens either willing to serve or worthy of recognition.

The county is accepting applications for its Youth Commission, with applications due March 9. Citizens are also invited to help celebrate York’s high school-aged students by submitting nominations for the county’s four annual Outstanding Youth Award Scholarships by Feb. 16.

The York County Board of Supervisors is seeking students interested in representing youth interests on the Youth Commission for the 2011-12 school year. Applicants must be York County residents in grades 8-11.

The Youth Commission acts as representatives of their age group to the board. The Commission members also participate in community service projects, learn about county government, sponsor countywide high school social events and build leadership skills.

To apply, students must turn in a completed application form and a letter of recommendation to the York County Parks and Recreation office by 5 p.m. on March 9. After reviewing the applications, the Board of Supervisors will appoint up to three teens from each of the county’s five voting districts; the commission will be formally introduced at a supervisors’ meeting in June.

Application forms are available here and at the Yorktown and Tabb Libraries, Williamsburg and James City County Libraries and at the York County Parks and Recreation Office. Interested teens can learn more about the opportunity at the next Youth Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the Yorktown Library Meeting Room.

Citizens can nominate teens worthy of recognition for the Outstanding Youth Award Scholarships. Nominations in the categories of Compassion, Courage, Community Service and Overall Achievement are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Parks and Recreation Office. Nominees must be residents of York County and currently enrolled in high school.

The nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee, which will choose one award recipient in each category. Each recipient will receive a $500 educational scholarship and formal recognition at a reception and a May meeting of the Board of Supervisors. All nominees will receive a letter and certificate from the Board of Supervisors.

Nomination forms can be downloaded here, and are available at the Yorktown and Tabb libraries, Williamsburg and James City County libraries, the Senior Center of York and the Parks and Recreation Office.

For more information about the Youth Commission or the Outstanding Youth Awards, contact Parks and Recreation at 890-3500.