Tempe Community Council’s Tempe Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking and Drug Use has announced the return of its annual Celebrating Champions for Youth event, celebrating those helping young people locally.

This event celebrates the individuals and organizations making a significant impact in the lives of local youth, helping them live to their full potential, a city release explained.

Nominations for the following award categories are being accepted through Oct. 4.

The 8th Annual Celebrating Champions for Youth event takes place Thursday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Tempe Union High School District Professional Learning Center.

Youth awards are:

• Youth Champion – An outstanding youth or youth group who has continually set and achieved goals to reach their full potential and inspire their peers to do the same. Nominees may also have overcome adversity and challenges, demonstrating resilience, determination and leadership. Multiple youths will be recognized. Nominees must attend school within Tempe school district boundaries (Tempe Elementary, Kyrene, Tempe Union High School District), including public, private and charter schools.

Adult Awards are:

• Inspiration – A community leader (e.g., educator, counselor or coach) who has inspired local youth.
• Protector – A front-line responder who works in Tempe or within Tempe school district boundaries, and has shown exemplary service advocating tirelessly to provide a safe environment where local youth can thrive.
• Advocate – An organization who advocates for programs, policies and laws benefiting local youth.

“Every year, we come together to celebrate the inspiring stories of our deserving youth and champions. Their heartfelt journeys are the reason we do this work and cherish this community event,” Tempe Coalition Director Bernadette Coggins said in the release. 

For all awards, service or action must directly impact or serve youth who live, work or attend school within Tempe school district boundaries (Tempe Elementary, Kyrene, Tempe Union High School District), including public, private and charter schools, the release noted.

“Everyday our youth and community face challenges that test their resilience. TCC is grateful to recognize youth and adults in our community who advocate for achieving positive goals and making an impact,” TCC Executive Director Octavia Harris said in the release.

The awards ceremony will bring together community members, civic leaders and honorees to celebrate the contributions of this year’s award recipients. 

For more, visit www.tempecommunitycouncil.org/tempe-coalition/celebrating-champions-for-youth/.