The San Diego County Public Defender’s Office wants your help celebrating the region’s remarkable teens. Do you know a teen who is phenomenal at something they do? Perhaps, you know a great artist, photographer, actor, dancer, or musician — or someone who excels at nontraditional sports such as skateboarding, surfing or snowboarding. Maybe, the nominee applies his or her creativity to inventions, entrepreneurship or technology or fashion design. Or he or she is an activist, a campus leader, is civically involved, does public speaking or is engaged in community service. Possibly, it is more about a physical act of bravery, courage to overcome adversity or having personal determination.
If you know anyone ages 12 through 19 who might fit the bill, please nominate them. The Public Defender Youth Council will consider and interview the nominees for each of the 25 categories. The Youth Council is made up of high school students who are interested in civic engagement, and members work with Public Defender’s Office to develop projects that make a difference in the community.
“The aim of the program is to provide an opportunity for youth in San Diego to be celebrated for their positive accomplishments and showcase the many ways that they are valuable community assets,” said public defender Randy Mize.
The teens who are nominated with receive a certificate of recognition for the honor of being nominated. The 25 selected will be celebrated at a special ceremony and presentation at the San Diego Central Library and will also be featured on County News Center.
The Remarkable Teen program is new to San Diego County, but started in Riverside in 2004 and is now an annual program in three countries: the United States; Basseterre, St. Kitts, Eastern Caribbean; and Tofol, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia.
The nomination form is available at sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/public_defender/docs/25 Most Remarkable Teens in San Diego.pdf. Nominations are open until April 1 and can be emailed to [email protected] or can be mailed to Connie Howard at San Diego County Public Defender Youth Council, 450 B St., Suite 1210, San Diego, CA 92101.
