Nomination period opens for the 2026 YEA! Awards
Each year, Hillsborough County shines a spotlight on young people making a difference through leadership, perseverance, and service. Now, the community once again has a chance to recognize outstanding students as nominations open for the 2026 Youth Excellence and Achievement Award (YEA! Awards).
Created in 2010 by the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, the YEA! Awards recognize middle and high school students who demonstrate initiative, innovation, and commitment to others while creating positive change in their schools and communities. Students can be nominated in three categories: leadership, volunteer or community service, and success despite difficult odds. The award highlights students who go above and beyond. For many past winners, the award leads to real-world success.
Real-world success
N'Jhari Jackson was just 14 years old when he was awarded the YEA! Award in 2016. A student at Paideia School of Tampa, Jackson was recognized for his leadership in the community. Ten years later, Jackson is a first-year resident in orthotics and prosthetics and is still giving back to the community, but in a different way.
"Looking back on the award, it's crazy to think I was doing big things at such a young age," said Jackson. "Awards like this can really shape who a person is."
After receiving the YEA! Award, Jackson went on to graduate from University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in sports journalism. He then continued his education at the university, receiving a master's degree in sports management. After starting his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson found his true passion while volunteering at the James A. Haley Veteran's Hospital in Tampa.
"I spent the whole summer shadowing at the VA and became really interested in the field of orthotics and prosthetics," said Jackson. "I went back to school at the International Institute of Orthotics and Prosthetics in Tampa and now I am doing a medical residency in the field."
Jackson is among the many YEA! Award recipients who found success following high school. Similar to Jackson, Devin Johnson won the award in 2016 for his community service work while at Tampa Bay Technical School. Johnson says the award shows that anyone can make a difference, no matter their age.
"As kids, you often feel like you're too young to make a difference or have an impact on the world," said Johnson. "The YEA! Awards helped me feel like the things I did actually made a difference."
After high school, Johnson continued his education at Florida A&M University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Johnson then returned home to the Tampa Bay area, where he made the decision to join the U.S. Army. He currently serves as a specialist in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Johnson says his youth helped prepare him for service.
"Serving the Tampa community has helped me become successful in the military," said Johnson. "The structure that I had growing up made it easier for me and has helped me become a leader."
County residents, including teachers, mentors, and coaches, are encouraged to nominate deserving students whose actions inspire others and strengthen the community. The award honors students who show leadership, dedication to service, or perseverance through challenges while making a positive impact on those around them.
For both Jackson and Johnson, the award played a key role in their success.
"I believe it's important to acknowledge all youth who are making a positive impact," said Johnson. "You never know how much of an influence it can have on these kids."
Nominations for the 2026 YEA! Awards are open through September 8, 2026. Three recipients from both middle school and high school will be selected from across Hillsborough County. The nomination form is available for submission online at HCFL.gov/YEA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women. For additional information on the YEA! Awards, including a look at past winners, visit HCFL.gov/YEA.