Et cetera : Secretary Pate opens the nomination process for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leader

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award recognizes civic-minded Iowans aged 25 and under

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate today announced that nominations are now open for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Iowans aged 25 or younger who have made a meaningful commitment to addressing civil rights and bringing about authentic change in their communities are eligible.

"Many young Iowans will hear throughout their young adulthood that they are the leaders of tomorrow, but I maintain that most of these Iowans are already accomplished leaders in their own right," said Secretary Pate. "The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award is just one way for our office to recognize the bright young Iowans who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities."

This will be the third time Iowans have been honored with the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award. Most recently, Secretary Pate recognized SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas, a 9th grader from West Des Moines, and J.J. Kapur, an American Connections Corps Fellow at CultureAll with the award.

"Congressman John Lewis has made a long-lasting impact on so many of us and we are honored to recognize his legacy with this award," said Secretary Pate. "So many young Iowans are exemplifying the leadership abilities of Congressman Lewis in their everyday lives, and we are lucky to be a small part of it."

The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as a way for every state to honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Congressman John Lewis. Secretaries of State across the nation are encouraged to recognize gifted, civic-minded young people with demonstrated leadership abilities with the award each year. The deadline to submit nominations is noon on Friday, March 1, 2024.