The City of Valparaiso is currently accepting nominations for its Rising Star Award program, an initiative created by the Valparaiso Mayor’s Youth Council. This program aims to recognize extraordinary youth within the community who demonstrate exceptional qualities and contribute positively to Valparaiso's success. Valparaiso residents between the ages of 10 and 18 are eligible for nomination, with applications for the 2026 award cycle due by November 16, 2026.
The Rising Star Award was introduced in 2024 as a direct result of the Mayor's Youth Council's commitment to highlighting the many responsible, intelligent, and hardworking young people in Valparaiso. The council established the award to celebrate these individuals who contribute to the vibrancy and welfare of the city on a daily basis. The qualities specifically chosen by the Mayor's Youth Council as worthy of recognition include benevolence, leadership, and perseverance. These attributes represent the core values the program seeks to identify and honor in young citizens.
Mayor Jon Costas has voiced his support for the recognition program, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the contributions of Valparaiso’s younger generation. Mayor Costas stated that the city sees many extraordinary young people and wishes "to support the youth council's enthusiasm in recognizing these emerging leaders." His comments emphasize the city's commitment to fostering and celebrating the potential within its youth, providing a platform to showcase their positive impact.
The award serves to highlight young individuals who actively contribute to their community through various acts of service and dedication. For instance, Nora Burk was recognized as Valparaiso's Rising Star in 2025. Her selection was based on her notable dedication to others, demonstrated through her commitment of time and resources to several local organizations, including the animal shelter and Meals on Wheels, among others. Such examples illustrate the type of community involvement and personal attributes the Rising Star Award seeks to acknowledge.
The nomination process for the Rising Star recognition is open to any Valparaiso resident aged 10 to 18. Interested community members are encouraged to submit applications for deserving youth. Further details about the Rising Star program, along with information on other community recognitions like the Good Neighbor award, are available on the City of Valparaiso's Community Engagement page. The deadline for submitting nominations for the upcoming 2026 award remains November 16, 2026, providing ample opportunity for residents to put forward candidates who embody the spirit of the Rising Star Award. This ongoing effort by the City and the Mayor's Youth Council reinforces the value placed on youth involvement and civic responsibility within Valparaiso.
