Applications Wanted for Westport's Bacharach Award

Human Services Director Barbara Butler has announced that the Westport Youth Commission is seeking nominations for the annual James S. Bacharach Service to the Community Award.

“All qualified Westport high school seniors are eligible for this award,” said Butler.  “This honor, given to one or more Westport high school seniors, recognizes their significant community service contributions in our town.”

Citations have been given annually since 1989 as a tribute to the late James S. Bacharach, founder and past-president of the Youth Adult Council, predecessor of the Westport Youth Commission which Bacharach and other concerned citizens founded in 1974. 

“Eligible nominations must demonstrate the student’s exemplary leadership ability and high standards of community service to Westport,” Butler said. “Either adults or students may nominate a deserving high school senior for their contributions to our community.”

Applications will be available online at www.westportct.gov  and at the counseling offices at Staples High School, Greens Farms Academy, Hopkins School, Laurelton, Fairfield Prep, at Toquet Hall, the Westport Public Library and from the Department of Human Services at Town Hall. 

The application should be submitted along with a maximum of two references or letters of support attesting to the student’s contributions to the town. 

Applications must be faxed to 203-341-1073; e-mailed to elained@westportct.gov; or mailed to Department of Human Services, Attention Bacharach Awards Committee, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880 by May 10, 2014.

Finalists will be chosen by a subcommittee of the Westport Youth Commission.  Winners will be announced at the annual end-of-year awards presentation at the recipients’ school. 

The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport adults. 

It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers.  For further information, contact Elaine Daignault at 203-341-1165, or via e-mail at  elained@westportct.gov.