top of page
0F7A6913.jpeg

2026 Volunteer Awards

We invite you to nominate an exceptional volunteer whose dedication and service have made a meaningful impact. Selected individuals will be honored at our 2026 Gala this October, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to our community.

1

Volunteer of the Year

A volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact through their volunteer service over the past year.

Age Groups​ Eligible
 Youth Award (under 18)
Adult Award (18+)

2

Volunteer of the Year

A first-year volunteer who has shown remarkable initiative, enthusiasm, and commitment, making a strong and positive impact from the start.

Age Groups​ Eligible
 Youth Award (under 18)
Adult Award (18+)

3

Volunteer of the Year

Honors a volunteer who has made notable progress, growing in confidence, ability, and contribution over the year.
 

Age Groups​ Eligible
 Youth Award (under 18)
Adult Award (18+)

Nomination Process

1

Nominations Start

August 6

Nominations are open to parents, teachers, children, and volunteers through a public form on our website. To nominate someone, submit their name, details about their volunteer service, and reasons for the nomination.

2

Nominations Close

September 6

All submissions are collected and organized through the form below. Once closed, the internal review team begins their initial screening and shortlisting of candidates.

3

Selection Process

September 7 - 17

An internal review panel evaluates nominees using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. These include service hours, attendance, attitude, teamwork, and contributions to training or leading others. If needed, the panel will vote to break any ties.

4

Recipient selected

September 18 - October 1

The top three award recipients are determined and will be contacted through email. Each winner receives a congratulatory letter, and preparations for their trophies begin. Dress code for winners is optional.

5

Award Ceremony

October 18

Winners will be formally recognized and celebrated at the GPS Gala in October. The event will include photo opportunities, speeches, and highlights of this year’s volunteer efforts. The selected winners will be presented with their awards on stage as the reasons for their nomination are shared with the audience.

Community

How to Nominate

Eligibility

The person being nominated (nominee) must be:

  • Be under 18 for the Youth Category

  • Over 18 for the Adult Category 

  • Must be a first-year volunteer for the Best New Volunteer Award

You can:

  • Nominate a person for more than 1 award

  • Nominate yourself

Screenshot 2025-10-29 at 4.14.32 PM.png

Required Information

  • The nominee’s full name, age, email address, phone number, address, and hours as a volunteer.

  • The nominator's full name, email address and phone number (if you are nominating someone other than yourself).

  • A detailed description of the nominee’s achievements and role as a volunteer.​

Deadline

The deadline to apply is  September 6, 2026.

Who are you nominating?
I am submitting a nomination for myself
I am submitting a nomination for another individual
Nominee Information
Nominator Information

This section only needs to be filled out by nominators (if you are nominating someone other than yourself)

Which award(s) are you applying for?
Age Group
Youth (under 18)
Adult (18+)
How many years have you consecutively volunteered at GPS?

(Minimum 20 hours)

Please describe why this nominee deserves to be recognized

Whether it is their impact, reach, initiative, challenges overcome, or how they have inspired others, use the space below to provide an overview of the contributions the nominee has made at Gifted People Services.

Last Year's Highlights

bottom of page