Most people know a young person who should be nominated for an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.
The program strives not only to recognize the dozen or so outstanding young people who will be the recipients of awards, but also to give deserving recognition in their respective communities to hundreds of others by awarding them certificates of congratulations.
Since 1981, the prestigious Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Awards Program has recognized the best of Ontario’s youths.
Co-ordinated by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) with the support of its sponsors, the Junior Citizen Program is wholeheartedly supported by the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Nominations may come from anyone in the community who wants to recognize a young person’s contributions.
Nominations should document the activities of the nominee with letters, Newspaper clippings (contact a local community Newspaper to locate News articles, if applicable), recommendations, etc.
Each nomination must have at least two supporting nomination forms attached.
Nominations are accepted up to Nov. 30 and nominees from previous years who continue their noteworthy endeavours are eligible to be nominated again (but a new nomination form and updated documentation are required).
Eligibility
Any resident of Ontario, aged 6 to 17 years, is eligible to receive an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award.
Individuals may be nominated in four categories:
– involved in worthwhile community service;
– young people who are contributing while living with a physical or psychological limitation;
– individuals who have performed acts of heroism or bravery in the past year; and
– “good kids” who show a commitment to make life better for others and do more than is normally expected of someone their age.
Awards
A committee of community Newspaper publishers/editors and sponsors will select the award recipients from all nominations received.
Up to 12 individuals will be recipients of an award. Recipients and their families are invited to attend the awards ceremony in the spring.
The Ontario Junior Citizens of the Year receive a plaque citing their accomplishments, a Junior Citizen of the Year lapel pin, and a cash gift.
All nominees receive a certificate recognizing their accomplishments from their local community Newspaper.
Nomination Forms
To obtain a copy of the nomination form:
– go to www.ocna.org;
– email jr.citizen@ocna.org;
– drop by the community Newspaper office; or
– contact the OCNA (103 – 3050 Harvester Road, Burlington, L7N 3J1, phone 905-639-8720 or fax 905-639-6962).
About the OCNA
Founded in 1920 as part of the Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association, the OCNA is a non-profit organization representing more than 300 member community Newspapers.
The association provides services for its own members and co-operates with six other associations affiliated through the Canadian Community Newspapers Association.
Community Newspapers are important observers in their community, focusing and reflecting on the wide spectrum of activity in their areas. They help define and encourage “community” in their towns.
In Ontario more than 4.7 million households receive an OCNA member paper regularly. Through their association, member papers reinforce their commitment to professionally serve their readers.
