NORTHAMPTON — Nominations are now being accepted for the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s annual Person of the Year and Young Community Leader awards.
The awards will be granted to residents of Hampshire County who have shown a commitment to community involvement and volunteerism. Those eligible for the youth award must be between 15 and 30 years old.
Winners of the Person of the Year and Young Community Leader awards will receive a monetary prize of $500 and $250, respectively, half of which must be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice.
This is the fourth consecutive year a Person of the Year will be recognized, and the second year a Young Community Leader will be acknowledged. The prizes will be awarded in partnership with the United Way of Hampshire County.
Nominations must be received by Feb. 28 and a winner will be announced in the Gazette in March, followed by a celebration in their honor on April 25. Recipients will be chosen by a committee made up of representatives from the United Way and other community members.
Last year, early childhood educator Barbara Black won the Person of the Year award for her dedication to improving education for young children. Hopkins Academy senior Allison Jenks received the inaugural Young Community Leader award in recognition of her outstanding involvement in the community.
Gazette Publisher Michael Rifanburg said the awards are meant to shine a spotlight on the impactful yet quiet work many in the community do every day.
“We are really looking to highlight the people who do this good work but still manage to fly under the radar” Rifanburg said.
The youth award, especially, was created so young people could be celebrated for their good character and leadership, he said.
“It’s part of our own mission to work with the community and showcase what’s happening,” he said. “There are some young people who are doing great work in a very short amount of time.”
John Bidwell, executive director of the United Way of Hampshire County, said that the awards are a powerful way to acknowledge residents dedicated to making the county a better place.
“It’s really important to recognize those who give back,” Bidwell said. “There are a lot of caring people in our area, and we should exhibit the work that they do.”
Though both awards are meant to exemplify selflessness and devotion to community issues in individuals, the prizes are also seen as an opportunity to influence larger social change.
“These awards can send a message on volunteerism and a need for volunteers throughout the community,” Rifanburg said.
Nominations for the awards can be found in the Gazette and mailed to 115 Conz St., Northampton, MA 01061, or submitted through email at nominations@gazettenet.com.