Teenager of the Year

DISTRICT OVERVIEW 

Local clubs of Kiwanis International are seeking applicants for the 2026 Teenager of the Year Award. Kiwanis is an international organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The purpose of this award is to give recognition to deserving teenagers for their service to their school and community, citizenship, leadership performance, character and academic achievements. If the nominee continues through the competition process at club, division and district levels, the finalist will be awarded the title of 2025 Capital District Teenager of the Year, $2,500.00 and a trip with their parents/guardians to the Kiwanis District Convention, August 21-23, 2026, in Annapolis, MD.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Capital District Teenager of the Year Award welcomes applications from young people who are between the ages of 13 and 19 (but not yet 19) and are currently residing in DC, DE, MD, WV or VA.  The following criteria will be used in choosing winners:

APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:

• Demonstrated a consistent and dedicated commitment to community service;
• Demonstrated positive spirit, courage, academic achievement, generosity and high moral purpose;
• Shown initiative, tenacity and unselfishness in pursuit of their community service efforts;
• Accomplished something that inspired others to make a positive difference in their community; and
• Made an impact beyond themselves that improved their community or the volunteer organization they support.

Recommendation Letters – Up to three recommendation letters may be provided either with the application or submitted seaprately to [email protected]:

• Recommendation of School Faculty Member
• Recommendation of Community/Non-Profit Organization, or Employer
• Recommendation of Adult Neighbor, Clergy or Community Leader

Statement of non-discrimination:  The Capital District of Kiwanis International and the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation do not discriminate on the basis of any applicable protected classification including, but not limited to race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

AWARD INCLUDES:

• $2500 funded by the Capital District Kiwanis Foundation (choice of CD, check or savings bond)
• Recognition certificate
• Trip to the Kiwanis Capital District Convention August 21-23, 2026, in Annapolis, MD.
• Recognition in the Kiwanis Capital District Convention program booklet and the 2025 The Capital Kiwanian Magazine Summer edition

TIMELINE

November 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET: Students may apply online.  Only complete applications will be accepted.  No applications submitted after that date and time will be considered.

No later than March 1, 2026: Kiwanis Clubs will select and notify club winners and submit certified names to their Lt. Governor.

No later than April 1, 2026: Divisions will select and notify division winners and submit certified names to the ToY District Chairperson.

No later than May 1, 2026:  The district level winner will have been selected and the certified name sent to the District Governor.

Download Scoring Rubric Here

Download Application Guidelines Here