News: Youth and Prevention Leaders Award Seeks Nominations

Bristol, CT – [February 26, 2024] – The City of Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) is seeking nominations for the departments 32^nd Annual Youth and Prevention Leaders Awards, which spotlights and celebrates young people who are going above and beyond in service to the Bristol community. Youth and youth groups may be nominated by adults that benefited from a community service project or volunteerism of a Bristol young person.    

Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services, Dr. Joshua Medeiros stated, “The Youth and Prevention Leaders Award program is the city’s premier event that shines a light on the work of so many dedicated youth doing outstanding things to give back to their community.”

Nominations are open to individuals as well as groups and will be accepted until 4:30 PM on Friday March 29, 2024. Applications are reviewed by the City of Bristol Youth Commission. Award recipients will be honored in front of friends, family, and community members at an annual recognition ceremony held on May 8, 2024.

“Our team is excited to once again host this event at Muzzy Field, providing a grand arena to honor and uplift the volunteerism of Bristol young people” Medeiros continued.

This is the second year the program includes recognizing prevention efforts in Bristol. Drug-Free Communities Program Coordinator, Michael Tingley, stated “Bristol Eliminating Substance Use Together (BEST) has a specific focus on substance use and mental health among youth. Evidence supports that youth can have a profound impact on their peers’ substance use and mental health. Peer-to-peer advocates are essential to prevention work. Having the opportunity to highlight these incredible individuals is an honor for us.”

Mayor Jeffery Caggiano went on to express his enthusiasm stating, “I am excited to see our young people go above and beyond to serve our All Heart City through their extraordinary volunteer efforts. It is important to inspire the youth of Bristol to give back to their community in order to create engaged citizens of the future. I hope their service will also be an inspiration for all to serve. I look forward to recognizing our Youth of the Year again this May.”

Nomination forms for both individual and youth groups are available online at www.bristolrec.com. Completed applications can be submitted via e-mail to Youth and Community Services Supervisor, Stephen Bynum, at StephenBynum@bristolct.gov by Friday March 29, 2024 at 4:30 PM. Youth/youth group award recipients will be notified of their selection by April 8, 2024. Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony held on May 8, 2024 at Muzzy Field. For any questions please call 860-314-4690. 

>> Online Nomination Form <<