The Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year program is now accepting applications for the 2017 awards. The students that are interested in applying for the program will need to write an essay about their personal life. This includes, their goals, involvement in the Phoenix community, and how a person or teacher has had a significant influence in their life. The students will also have to submit a letter of recommendation and proof of legal residence in the United States. Eligible students can apply through the online application form before Feb. 27. The purpose of this program it to recognize the remarkable writing abilities of any students currently enrolled in high school and living within the Phoenix city limits.

“This is a good program because it gets students wanting to write; which allows them to practice and improve their writing skills. This program also inspires and encourages those students that participated,” said freshman Kinder Spinks.  

The District award winners will be determined by judges of the program including members of the Phoenix Rotary 100 and Soroptimist International of Phoenix by being interviewed. One young man and woman will be selected as winners from each city council district and receive an award of $2,000. The winners will also be invited to a luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100 and Soroptimist International where the citywide award winners will be announced. If selected as a citywide winner, then the young man or woman could be eligible for an additional $500 award.

“This program definitely helps recognize those that are not only interested in writing but the one’s that are passionate and are really good it,” said sophomore Amy Fan. “The program recognizes young men and women that strive to be their best and deserve great honor for their abilities.”