Westport Seeks Nomination for Youth Commission 'Community Award'

WESTPORT, CT - The local Department of Human Services is seeking nominations for the annual James S. Bacharach Service to the Community Award.

“All qualified high school seniors from Westport are eligible for this award,” said Director Barbara Butler in a statement. “This honor, given to one or more high school seniors from Westport, recognizes their significant community service contributions in our town.”

The award has been given annually since 1989 as a tribute to the late James S. Bacharach, founder and past-president of the Youth Adult Council, predecessor of the Westport Youth Commission. Bacharach and other concerned citizens founded the group in 1974.

“Eligible nominations must demonstrate the student’s exemplary leadership ability and high standards of community service to Westport,” Butler added. “Either adults or students may nominate a deserving high school senior for their contributions to our community.”

Applications will be available online at www.westportct.gov and will be sent to school counseling offices as well as at Toquet Hall Teen Center, the Westport Public Library and the Department of Human Services (Room 200) at Town Hall, according to organizers.

All applications must be submitted by May 13, 2016, along with a maximum of two references or letters of support "attesting to the student’s contributions to the town." Applications must be faxed to 203-341-1073; e-mailed to kgodburn@westportct.gov; or mailed to Department of Human Services, Attention Bacharach Awards Committee, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 200, Westport, CT, 06880.

The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of local adults. "It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers," according to organizers.

For additional information, contact Kevin Godburn, Youth Services Program Director, at 203-341-1155, or via e-mail at kgodburn@westportct.gov.