High school juniors and seniors across Westchester County can be nominated for the 2026 Youth Service Awards, with forms due by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau and Youth Board announced the annual awards recognize 11th and 12th grade students living in Westchester County who have shown outstanding leadership and service. The program also honors students who have overcome significant personal obstacles.

Families in Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester with eligible students can submit nominations through the Youth Bureau's website. Full award criteria and the nomination form are posted there.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said the awards honor "young leaders in our community who are dedicated to serving others, in spite of some having overcome significant personal obstacles."

Ernest McFadden, executive director of the Youth Bureau, said the annual nomination process leads to a ceremony celebrating students who volunteer with humility and selflessness.

Dr. Alexandria Connally, chairperson of the Youth Board, said she looks forward to selecting honorees who show leadership and a willingness to serve.

The awards ceremony is set for 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.

Past recipients have drawn recognition well beyond the ceremony. According to a Westchester County press release, nine past winners were honored at a halftime ceremony July 22 during a Westchester Soccer Club match at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon. The crowd counts.

Aiden Mendez, one of the honorees, said at the July 22 event: "Recognizing everyday students for extending a helping hand to their community is always great!"

For questions about the nomination process, the Youth Bureau can be reached at (914) 995-2745.