Golden Heart Awards

The Golden Heart award recognizes exceptional youth in the Davis community. There are two different categories within the award: the Service Award and the Personal Challenge Award. The Service Award recognizes individuals who have given significant service to the community, their peers, and/or their school. The Personal Challenge Award recognizes individuals who have overcome a significant challenge in their life. The nomination period opens in the fall each year. The purpose of these awards is to recognize youth who have demonstrated resiliency or who are the “unsung heroes”.

History

In memory of Andrew Mockus, who was tragically killed by his peers in 1992, the City of Davis Recreation and Park Commission expanded its commitment to the youth of the Davis community. Public forums were held to discuss various issues and to brainstorm on how the community could do more to meet the needs of teens in Davis. After careful consideration, the Commission suggested the City Council adopt several recommendations. One of the Commission recommendations was to develop the Golden Heart Award to recognize the contributions of youth to the community.

Nomination Information

The nominations period for the 2024 Golden Heart Awards has closed.  The nomination period normally opens in February and closes in late March or early April of each year. 

Sign up to receive press releases/news from the City of Davis at: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/enotification so you can be notified when the nomination period is open each year.

Presentation of Awards

The awards ceremony will be held at the City Council meeting (to be scheduled), beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Chambers at City Hall, 23 Russell Blvd.

The Parks & Community Services representative coordinating the awards and a panel of impartial judges will be the only persons allowed to review the full content of the nomination forms. Golden Heart Award recipient designations will be recommended for those nominees deemed most qualified by the Judging Panel. The selection of award recipients will be presented to the City Council for final approval. All nominees will receive a letter of recognition for being nominated. Information disclosed at the Award Ceremony will be prepared by Parks & Community Services and will require approval by the nominee’s parent/guardian prior to publication or distribution.

Contact the Kellie Vitaich in Parks & Community Services at 530-747-5874  or kvitaich@cityofdavis.org for more information.