News Summary
The High School Heroes awards are now accepting nominations, honoring extraordinary teenagers in Southern Nevada who showcase heroism and community commitment. Taking place on December 2, the ceremony highlights achievements such as saving lives, preventing cruelty, and community service. The event features specialized categories, including Environmental Helper of the Year and Cultural Advocate of the Year, and encourages public nominations to celebrate youth contributions.
Las Vegas – Nominations are now open for the second annual High School Heroes awards ceremony, which will take place on December 2, 2024. Organized by local publications, the awards celebrate extraordinary teenagers across Southern Nevada who demonstrate acts of heroism, generosity, selflessness, and commitment to their communities.
The High School Heroes awards aim to recognize students who have made significant contributions that enhance Clark County. Nominations are being accepted for individuals who have accomplished feats such as saving someone from drowning, assisting victims of car crashes, defending against bullying, helping fellow students in need, and showing dedication to volunteer work in their communities. Additionally, nominees are encouraged to highlight their efforts in preventing cruelty and improving the lives of others.
This year’s program will include specialized recognition categories, including the Environmental Helper of the Year for outstanding environmental protection projects and the Cultural Advocate of the Year for initiatives that support at-risk groups. A community selection committee will evaluate all submitted nominations, ensuring that deserving heroes are identified and honored.
The inaugural High School Heroes awards ceremony showcased remarkable honorees who made notable achievements, such as saving a life after a near-fatal motorbike accident, raising $378,000 for cancer research, and contributing to youth suicide prevention efforts. These inspiring tales underscore the significant impact that young individuals can have on their communities.
Among previous awardees was Justin Holman, a student from Boulder City High School, who received the title of “Heroic Act of the Year” for his quick response after witnessing a serious car crash involving Jesse Lopez. At just 15 years old, Holman took immediate action to assist Lopez, who sustained severe injuries. Following a week of hospitalization, Lopez made a recovery, and both families formed a friendship in the aftermath of the incident, demonstrating the positive connections fostered through heroic acts.
The awards represent an expansion of the long-standing tradition of honoring students in Clark County, which includes programs like the Sun Youth Forum, operating for 65 years, focused on discussing global challenges, and the Sun Standout Awards celebrating high school athletic achievements.
Several students have made notable contributions to their communities and showcased their commitment through various initiatives. For instance, Sara Franco Gutierrez, a student at Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy, was recognized for her significant involvement in public health initiatives during her internship with Georgetown University. Similarly, Kiran Talim created the DREAM program to mentor at-risk youth, collaborating with local law enforcement to address rising misdemeanor crimes observed during the pandemic.
In addition to these individual efforts, community support has played a crucial role in uplifting students and families in need. One such example is the Las Vegas Raiders, who donated $500,000 to help alleviate meal debt for local children during the pandemic, alongside other community initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
The call for nominations serves as an opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of young individuals who strive to make a difference. Parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations, highlighting the heroic activities of deserving teenagers. Honorees will receive recognition during a formal ceremony and will become part of a legacy that honors youth committed to fostering positive change in their communities.
As the awards program prepares for this year’s event, the community eagerly anticipates celebrating the achievements of the next generation of heroes.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Sun
- Wikipedia: Youth Activism
- Las Vegas Weekly
- Google Search: High School Heroes Awards
- Nevada Business
- Google Scholar: Community Service Teens
- Las Vegas Sun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heroes
- KTNV News
- Google News: Community Impact of Teens
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
