The City of Davis invites community members to submit nominations now through March 29, 2024, for the annual Golden Heart Awards. These awards recognize exceptional youth in the Davis community. 

Nominations can be submitted in two different categories to help acknowledge youth who are “non-traditional achievers”:

•The Service Award: Recognizing individuals who have given significant service to an expressed need in the community, to their peers, and/or to their schools
•The Personal Challenge Award: Recognizing individuals who have overcome significant challenges in their lives. 

In memory of Andrew Mockus, who was tragically killed in 1992, the City Council adopted the Recreation and Park Commission recommendation to create the Golden Heart Awards as a way to recognize outstanding youth in the community, especially those students who are not typically recognized in other forums. The first award was presented in 1994.

“Through these awards, we highlight young people who display resiliency despite challenging circumstances,” said Mayor Josh Chapman. “The City Council is honored to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of the youth in Davis.”

Nomination forms For the Golden Heart Awards are available at: https://www.cityofdavis.org/goldenheartawards. Community members are welcome to nominate a deserving Davis youth who is currently in the seventh through twelfth grades. Youth cannot nominate themselves nor can their parent/guardian nominate their youth. 

Nomination forms are due no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2024, and must be submitted in one of the following ways:

•By email to Kelly Vitaich at: kvitaich@cityofdavis.org
•By mail to:
City of Davis
Golden Heart Awards – ATT: Kellie Vitaich
23 Russell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
•In person at: the Parks and Community Services Public Counter, located at City Hall (23 Russell Blvd)

Awards and recognition will be presented at an upcoming City Council meeting. For more information, please email Kelly Vitaich at: kvitaich@cityofdavis.org or https://www.cityofdavis.org/goldenheartawards.


Press contact: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-3418

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