Last year Lt. Governor Becky Skillman created the Hoosier Rising Star Award to acknowledge the contributions youth make in their communities. It is presented annually to as many as five youth who have made a significant difference in their communities. Eight year old Madison McCorkle from Kokomo won last year for her work in collecting quarters for domestic violence.

Any student enrolled in grades K-12 during the 2007-08 school year who resides in Indiana is eligible for the award.  Strong candidates are those who have created and/or taken a lead on an innovative project which addresses targeted issues in their communities such as economic development, education, or social issues such as abuse, crime, hunger, and poverty. The ideal nominee will have performed at least one significant volunteer activity during the school year. Nominations can be submitted by a member of the student’s community. 
Nominations may be supplemented by the student’s biography, up to three letters of recommendation, and any relevant press clippings. All application materials should be submitted together and must be received by April 1, 2008. The winners will be recognized at a date to be determined in 2008.

To nominate a deserving young person from your community, please visit http://www.in.gov/lgov/ and click on the Hoosier Rising Star Award icon.