ELYRIA, OH — The Elyria Police Department is launching a new youth recognition program designed to shine a light on the positive things young people are doing throughout the Elyria community.
The Elyria Police Community Champion Award will recognize K–12 students who demonstrate kindness, leadership, courage, compassion, perseverance, community service, positive personal growth, academic achievement, or simply make a difference by doing the right thing.
“We see a lot of the challenges facing young people and our community, but we also see so many young people doing incredible things,” said Chief James P. Welsh. “The Community Champion Award is an opportunity to recognize those young people, celebrate their accomplishments, and let them know that their actions matter.”
The program is open to students who attend school in the City of Elyria or who are Elyria residents. Nominations may be submitted by anyone age 18 or older, including parents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, community members, first responders, and others who have witnessed a young person making a positive impact.
Students may be nominated for a variety of reasons, including:
- Showing kindness or helping someone in need
- Giving back through community service or volunteering
- Demonstrating leadership or serving as a positive role model
- Overcoming challenges or making positive changes
- Making a positive difference in the life of another person
- Demonstrating academic achievement or perseverance
- Making positive choices and showing integrity
Nominations will be accepted throughout the year. Community Champion recipients will be selected on a quarterly basis and receive special recognition from the Elyria Police Department.
With parent or guardian permission, recipients and their stories may also be featured through EPD social media, the department website, and other community communications.
The department hopes the program will not only recognize individual students, but also encourage other young people to understand the impact they can have on their schools, families, neighborhoods, and community.
“Sometimes a simple act of kindness or one good decision can have a much bigger impact than a young person realizes,” said Chief Welsh. “We want to celebrate those moments and encourage our youth to continue making a difference.”
Community members can nominate an Elyria youth online at cityofelyria.org/EPDChampion or by scanning the QR code on Community Champion promotional materials. Paper nomination forms will also be available through the Elyria Police Department.
For questions about the Community Champion Award, contact the Elyria Police Department at 440-326-1336 or dlinden@cityofelyria.org.