Nominate outstanding youth for Contra Costa County Hall of Fame
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Jan. 30, 2025) — Every year, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors celebrates extraordinary youth through the Youth Hall of Fame, established in 1997 by then-Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier.
The Youth Hall of Fame was created to recognize the positive contributions of youth by highlighting the dedication and service of local youth to their peers, schools and communities. Originally tied to the Countywide Youth Commission, the Hall of Fame relied on the commission’s 25 youth members (aged 12 to 18) to manage nominations and selections.
The inaugural Youth Hall of Fame class was inducted during the César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in 1998, honoring four youth and one adult advocate. Initial award categories included Unsung Heroes, Sports Leadership, School Leadership, Valiant Volunteers and Adult Youth Advocates.
The commission was discontinued in 2010 due to challenges in funding, recruitment and retention. Since then, the county’s César Chávez Celebration Planning Committee assumed responsibility for awarding the Youth Hall of Fame. The categories have since been refined to align with the values and characteristics exemplified by Chávez while still honoring youth. The current categories are:
- Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition.
- Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization.
- Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of a team.
- Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in their school and community.
- Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles to achieve success.
- Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions.
Honoring achievements
Over the years, dozens of outstanding youth have been honored for achievements such as founding nonprofits to help low-income students learn about investing, conducting disease research and mentoring younger students. Every recipient is recognized during the Board of Supervisors’ Cesar E. Chavez celebration, commemorated on a plaque in the board chambers and receives a board resolution recognizing their contributions.
Nominations for the 2025 Youth Hall of Fame are now open. I invite counselors, teachers, mentors, club leaders, and other community champions to recognize and nominate exceptional youth. Together, let’s celebrate their remarkable contributions and amplify their voices as they make a difference in our world. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in one of the six categories.
Nominees, ages 12-18, must live in Contra Costa County. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 25. The 2025 Youth Hall of Fame will be honored on April 1 during the board’s César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration in Martinez.
To submit a nomination or find out more information about the César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration, please visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039/Cesar-E-Chavez-Commemorative-Celebration.
Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.