Nomination Window for Prestigious Rochester Award Closes Monday

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester residents are running out of time to submit nominations for a prestigious award. 

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The nomination window for the Mayor’s Medal of Honor closes on Monday. The award, in its 39th year, is meant to recognize residents for their service to the community. 

This year’s nominating categories are posted on the City of Rochester’s website and are available below: 

Artistic / Cultural Achievement Award

An individual who sustains and promotes creative artistic and/or cultural endeavors in our community by any of the following: a) acting as a benefactor; b) coordinating displays, performances or shows; or c) personal achievement in art, music, theater, dance, literary or poetic endeavors, and other artistic or cultural activities. 

Champion of Diversity Award

An individual who demonstrates value for, facilitates, promotes, or utilizes the talents of the wide variety of diverse people in our community; one who celebrates all dimensions of diversity.

Community-Wide Service Award

Any member of the community who donates personal time and ability to the benefit the residents of the Rochester area. 

Educational Excellence Award

For individual achievement in sustaining high quality education in Rochester through one of the following: a) personal endeavors as a teacher or educator; b) administrative endeavors providing resources; c) citizen providing service to the schools as a volunteer, or d) any individual promoting the cause of education within the community. 

Excellence in City Service Award

An individual who is either a) an employee of the city who provides a service above and beyond the call of duty, or b) a volunteer who provides extraordinary service to the city while fulfilling duties of appointment on a board, committee, or commission.

Excellence in Industry Award

An individual exemplifying business and industrial advancement a) by encouraging development and growth in Rochester, b) by demonstrating innovation in business or industrial concepts, or c) through contributions that help sustain organizations which provide necessary services that benefit the citizens of our community.

Heroism Award

An individual who has demonstrated heroism in our community. 

Human Services Award

An individual in our city who has either: a) demonstrated a compassionate and a caring spirit by providing humanitarian services; b) provided notable assistance to others any member of the community in need; or c) who has assisting persons with special needs or a disability.

Legacy Award

For action or endeavors that have or will have a lasting impact and be recognized by future generations as a significant event and/or momentous part of the history of Rochester and Olmsted County worthy of commemoration.

Mayor’s Award

Any member of the community who has given of their time and talent to the benefit of the citizens of the Rochester, Minnesota. [This is to be selected by the Mayor.] 

Personal Achievement Award 

An individual in our community with a disabling condition or handicap who either: a) demonstrated outstanding achievement in overcoming their personal disability or circumstances in the service of others; or b) demonstrating excellent volunteer service by using their time and talents towards creating a better community for all.

Senior/Elder Achievement Award

A senior citizen who exhibits one of the following: a) exemplary service among peers: creative endeavors that benefit their community; or c) promotion of health, economic, and other issues responding to the needs of senior citizens.

Sustainability Award

Any individual in our city who advances the sustainable development (such as those recognized by the UNSDG) with emphasis on support for cleaner air, renewable energy, and creating a more livable, sustainable, and resilient community. 

Youth Serving Community

Any K-12 or locally enrolled college student up to the age of 21 who shows significant involvement, initiative, and support of our community.

There are 14 categories for this year’s award and selected recipients will be honored during a ceremony scheduled to happen in December. A link to the nomination form is available on the city’s website.