NOMINATE THE BEST OF DELAWARE'S YOUTH VOLUNTEERS FOR 2016 GOVERNOR'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS

NEW CASTLE (March 4, 2016) - Nominations for the Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards are being accepted by the State Office of Volunteerism through Friday, April 8. These awards recognize the important contributions that Delaware's youth volunteers, age 18 and younger, make to their communities. Award recipients will be honored at a May ceremony at Polytech Adult Education Conference Center in Woodside.

"Across the state, I consistently see the difference that young volunteers are making in their communities, and we know that this kind of early involvement in volunteerism often leads to a lifelong commitment to service," Gov. Jack Markell said. "I'm impressed by their passion for making the world a better place, but even more so by their determination to identify and succeed at projects that make such a positive impact on the lives of so many Delawareans. I encourage you to take the time to participate in the nominating process, recognizing that these awards not only represent a well-deserved honor for the recipients, but also can help encourage even more of our youth to get involved."

The awards honor the volunteer efforts of young Delawareans in the areas of arts and culture, community service, education, environment, health, human needs, public service and social justice/advocacy. Volunteer efforts must have been performed during 2015, although prior volunteer activity can be highlighted to show long-term commitment. To be eligible, individuals must have been enrolled as secondary school students for the 2014-2015 academic year and be 18 or younger.

"The Youth Awards is an excellent opportunity to honor and recognize exceptional service-oriented youths who have contributed immensely to their communities," said Luz Vasquez-Guzman, Senior Administrator of the State Office of Volunteerism and Executive Director of the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service. "They are the leadership of the future. If you know someone, I encourage you to nominate them for the awards."

The nomination form is available on www.VolunteerDelaware.org. Nominators may also request a nomination form by emailing april.willey@delaware.gov or by calling (302) 255-9893. Prior to submission, you may email the nomination form to April Willey for review and feedback.

Nominations must be delivered by Friday, April 8, to the Office of Volunteerism, Attn: Governor's Volunteer Service Awards, c/o April Willey, Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE 19901, or emailed to april.willey@delaware.gov.

According to a study by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), more than 192,000 Delawareans volunteered in 2014, contributing 21.4 million hours of service to nonprofit and community organizations. Over a three-year period, CNCS found that about one in four young people in Delaware volunteer.

The Governor's Youth Volunteer Service Awards are sponsored by the Office of the Governor and are coordinated by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor's Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.

For more information about the awards or volunteer opportunities, go to www.VolunteerDelaware.org, or contact April Willey, Volunteer Service Administrator, at 302-857-5006 or via email april.willey@delaware.gov .

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.