Town of Amherst Accepting Nominations for Youth Hero Awards

Submit Nominations Online by May 26

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst Human Rights Commission (HRC) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Human Rights Youth Hero Awards. These awards recognize Amherst youth who demonstrate kindness, selflessness, social courage, and community service within their families, schools, and neighborhoods

Nominations can be submitted online at amherstma.gov/youth-hero-awards through Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

“The Amherst Human Rights Commission is hosting its 22nd Annual Youth Hero Awards, celebrating the acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by young people in our community, no matter the size of their impact,” said Philip Avila, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We invite you to help the Commission recognize these outstanding youth by submitting a nomination for this award.” 

Eligibility Criteria
The HRC aims to identify and celebrate youth who have shown a special gift from the heart or an ability to love and care for one another. All are welcome to submit nominations for youth who meet the following criteria. 

• Nominees must have demonstrated one or more of the following acts within their family, school, or local community during the past year:
  
  • Shown care and concern, 
  • Exhibited mutual respect, 
  • Displayed social courage, and/or  
  • Engaged in community service. 
    
• Nominees must be either attending an Amherst public school or residing in Amherst. 
• Youth groups are also eligible to be nominated for a shared award. 
• Individuals who have received this award within the past three years are not eligible for nomination again. 

How to Nominate
Nominations can be submitted through the official nomination form available on the HRC’s website at amherstma.gov/youth-hero-awards. The form requires details about the nominee including contact information and a brief statement explaining why they should receive the Youth Hero Award. Nominations can be submitted through Tuesday, May 26, 2026   

Race Amity Day & Youth Hero Awards Celebration
All are welcome to join the HRC in recognizing awardees at the Race Amity Day and Youth Hero Awards Celebration on Sunday, June 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Mill River Recreation Area (95 Montague Rd, Amherst). Nominators and award recipients will be notified about selection prior to the event so they can make a plan to join the celebration. More details about this event will be shared soon.