America’s young people are its most precious resource. This is why, for many years, Exchange Club of Rome has sponsored an impressive selection of activities designed to benefit and encourage our community’s youth. Many of these richly rewarding programs are among the most popular and well-supported of all our Exchange Club endeavors.
Recognition of a well-deserving youth could have an impact on his or her entire future. One National Youth of the Year Award recipient put it this way: As a young man from an almost unknown town, the award proved to me that dreams can be reached. This award helped me to gain the necessary self-confidence to cope with the many hurdles associated with the acquisition of an education. It taught me that with hard work and support of others, the sky was the limit. I knew that my career aspirations could become a reality.
A.C.E. Award
A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years. These changes have enabled the students to overcome adversities and prepare for graduation. Clubs may also submit their top A.C.E. Award winner to the district competition. Winners at the district level then have an opportunity to compete for the National A.C.E. Award.
Youth of the Year Award
One of the most popular Exchange youth projects, the Youth of the Month/Year Award recognizes hard-working high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership. This proven program not only rewards outstanding young people, but also provides an incentive for other youngsters to strive for equally high levels of achievement. The club’s Youth of the Year advances to district competition, and ultimately, an opportunity to vie for the prestigious National Youth of the Year Award.
Young Citizenship Speech Contest
The Speech Contest features 4 students from local schools who will make a 4 – 8 minute speech on a patriotic topic. The Speech Contest is sponsored by the Georgia Exchange Clubs. Our winner, in addition to a cash honorarium from our Club, will also get an expense paid trip to the District Convention in Albany to compete for the state award.