Calling all Bellevue locals—the city's future leaders are stepping into the spotlight, and they need your nods. According to a recent City of Bellevue announcement, nominations are now open for youths who have made a standout contribution to the community through advocacy, leadership, and active engagement in social causes.

Bellevue Youth Link, a partnership between the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue School District, is at the helm of the 34th annual Community Leadership Awards, a celebration of our youngest visionaries. Your chance to nominate an exceptional Bellevue kid or teen runs until 5 p.m., Friday, May 3 they encourage anyone who knows a young person with a strong voice for diversity, social justice, or community enrichment to help recognize these deserving individuals.

This year's award categories span a broad spectrum, including Advocacy for Cultural and Heritage Pride, Advocacy for Education, and Advocacy for Well Being to name just a few. A nod can be given to those who've shown prowess in areas as diverse as Environmental Champion, Outstanding Youth Volunteer, and the Excellence in Youth Arts category.

The culmination of this year’s quest for nominees will be the awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m., at the celebrated Bellevue City Hall. The event, which is free and wide open to the public, will follow with a reception at 7:30. Youth Link, which has been pioneering leadership and community service programs since the early '90s, continues its mission of offering a stage for the voices of the young while ushering them through valuable leadership and service opportunities.

In the words of Youth Link, this is more than just an awards night—it's a chance to fuel the passion of a new generation ready to shape the world. So, throw your hat in the ring for that dynamo you know—it's time to give credit where it's due, and light up the stage for Bellevue's young heroes.