Caring Youth Recognition

In the spring, the cities of Golden Valley, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, in conjunction with the Hopkins and Minnetonka school districts and the Glen Lake Optimists, host a Caring Youth Recognition event to honor the caring contributions of area young people. This year’s event is set for March 15, 2012, at the Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka.

What qualifies a nominee as a Caring Youth?

A Caring Youth takes the initiative to identify a need in the community then volunteers in a way that helps meet that need. The nominee should have some personal passion for the cause for which they are volunteering, and it should be an activity that resulted in the nominee “stretching” themselves beyond their normal comfort zone.

Who can receive an award?

Nominees must be in grades 7 through 12 and meet one of the following criteria:

  • Live, attend school or volunteer in Golden Valley, Hopkins or Minnetonka.
  • Volunteer work must be unpaid and not a requirement for a class, a co-curricular program, or an award received through another organization.

Who may nominate someone for a Caring Youth award?

  • The nominee must be nominated by a member of the organization for which they volunteered, or by someone who was closely involved with the volunteer activity.
  • Nominations may not be submitted by a family member of the nominee.

How do I nominate someone?

  • Please read the guidelines first. Then, fill out the 2012 Caring Youth Application.
  • Return the form to jlarson@eminnetonka.com, via fax to 952.939.8244, or via mail to Caring Youth Awards, Attn: Jacque Larson, City of Minnetonka, 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55345.
  • Deadline is Friday, February 3, 2012.

Selection process and awards information

  • The selection committee will meet in early February to choose recipients.
  • Caring Youth will be selected by the committee based on their personal commitment and their positive impact on the community. No set number of awards will be given.
  • Award recipients, their nominators, their families, school personnel, city officials and members of the local media will be invited to an awards ceremony Thursday, March 15, 2012.