Lewes supports Jefferson Awards, Youth Service Challenge

The City of Lewes is reaching out to local schools, youth groups and faith-based organizations and encouraging them to take on the challenge of developing meaningful community service projects as part of the Jefferson Awards Youth Service Challenge.

The mission of the program is to recognize, inspire and activate volunteerism and public service in communities, workplaces and schools across America.

The challenge highlights good things young Americans are doing in service in their city, community or school.

Youth Service Challenge categories are: education and literacy; environment and sustainability; health and wellness; community building and citizenship; hunger, homelessness and poverty; animal rights; peace and justice; elder care; and service to youth.

Projects must be submitted to the Youth Service Challenge website by Tuesday, April 30.

The Jefferson Awards works through the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a group of more than 100 mayors representing municipalities from around the country.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former Ohio Sen. Robert Taft Jr., and nationally renowned public service leader Sam Beard established the Jefferson Awards in 1972.  By encouraging meaningful, important work in their communities, the program seeks to motivate young people to change the world they live in.

Lewes Mayor Jim Ford will host a local Jefferson Awards ceremony at 7 p.m., Monday, May 20, in City Hall. Youth Service Challenge participants will receive certificates and pins; and the top three outstanding service projects will be eligible for national recognition and prizes.

To submit Youth Service Challenge ideas and for additional information, go to www.youthservicechallenge.net. For more information about the Jefferson Awards, visit www.jeffersonawards.org.