Approval of the Fort Pierce Youth Council's recommendations of the recipients to receive a City of Fort Pierce Youth Award.

On September 5, 2023, staff was directed to move forward with launching the City's first Youth Award Recognition Program. The concept was initially discussed during the June 5, 2023, City Commission meeting. The program is designed to recognize young people for outstanding achievement in a variety of areas including academics, community service, humanitarian, innovation, and athletics. The award program is open to middle and high school students, who are residents of the City of Fort Pierce, who have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and who must be of good character.

In January 2024, a call for nominations was issued. A news release was distributed to the media. The information was posted on the City's social media platforms and appeared on the homepage of the City's website until nominations closed on March 31, 2024. In addition, the news release was sent to local youth development, social service, and non-profit agencies, as well as local churches and businesses.

Six candidates were nominated. Three of the six were ineligible due to the residency requirement. The following nominees have met all the requirements to receive recognition:

• Molly Grow is being recommended to receive the Visionary Award. Molly is a seventh grader attending the Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie (CAST). She has demonstrated impressive sales skills, raising significant funds for the CAST Band by selling chocolates. She is also the only student member of the Florida Public Relations Association's Treasure Coast Chapter, where she sold bracelets to raise money for the local chapter. Additionally, Molly manages the social media for an upcycled shirt company and runs her own rubber band bracelet business. Her drive and ambition are evident in her various endeavors.
• Jaylyn Monds is being recommended to receive the Student Athlete Award. Jaylyn is a graduating senior at Fort Pierce Westwood Marine and Oceanographic Academy. Jaylyn is a dedicated student athlete who maintained a 4.0 GPA, while working two jobs, and excelling in both baseball and football. He has signed a scholarship to play Division 1 college football and is on track to graduate with an AICE (Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education) diploma. He also mentored younger athletes through a non-profit organization.
• Adrianna Spotts is being recommended to receive the Role Model Award. Adrianna is a ninth grader attending Fort Pierce Westwood Academy. Adrianna, with a sharp and strategic mindset, has effectively established clear future goals and aspires to be a Traveling Nurse Practitioner. She is active in 4H, Girl Scouts, FFA, and a horse drill team, holding leadership positions and earning numerous awards. Adrianna is also a straight-A student taking advanced classes. She is known for her maturity, willingness to help others, and commitment to her goals.

Approve Youth Council recommendations. 

Staff will proceed as directed by the City Commission. 

Audria Moore, Special Projects Coordinator

Fort Pierce Youth Council