The Northside Planning Council (NPC) received a record number of nominations for the 15th Annual North Star Awards, and gathered to recognize the award winners Friday, Nov. 15, at Warner Park Community Recreation Center. NPC began the North Star Awards in 2003 to recognize community leaders and those who contribute to building a better Northside through their everyday actions and dedication to supporting people who live, work and play in our community. 

This year, many of the awards went to community members who have made a positive impact on the lives of youth on the Northside. It was a theme that emerged without our intention, but speaks to the commitment this community has to its children. Additionally, the work done by so many doesn’t simply serve our youth, but equips them to become leaders, mentors and change-makers themselves. Whether a young person follows one path or another almost always depends on whether the adults and mentors in their lives recognize how much that youth has to offer, and many of our recipients this year are working to ensure that our youth can make the most of their skills and potential.