2026 GOLDEN HEART AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW UNTIL APRIL 17
by: Barbara Archer, City of Davis
The City of Davis invites community members to submit nominations now through April 17, 2026, for the annual Golden Heart Awards. These awards recognize exceptional youth in the Davis community.
Nominations can be submitted in two different categories to help acknowledge youth who are “non-traditional achievers”:
- The Service Award: Recognizing individuals who have given significant service to an expressed need in the community, to their peers, and/or to their schools
- The Personal Challenge Award: Recognizing individuals who have overcome significant challenges in their lives.
In memory of Andrew Mockus, who was tragically killed in 1992, the City Council adopted the Recreation and Park Commission recommendation to create the Golden Heart Awards as a way to recognize outstanding youth in the community, especially those students who are not typically recognized in other forums. The first award was presented in 1994.
“Through the Golden Heart Awards program, we honor the amazing accomplishments of Davis youth who have given of their time to focus on community service and those who have overcome considerable challenges in their lives,” said Mayor Donna Neville. “We applaud their resilience, grit and compassion for others. Their work makes the Davis community a better place to live.”
Nomination forms For the Golden Heart Awards are available at: https://www.cityofdavis.org/goldenheartawards. Community members are welcome to nominate a deserving Davis youth who is currently in the seventh through twelfth grades. Youth cannot nominate themselves nor can their parent/guardian nominate their youth.
Nomination forms are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, and must be submitted in one of the following ways:
- By email to Kellie Vitaich at: kvitaich@cityofdavis.org
- By mail to:
City of Davis
Golden Heart Awards – ATT: Kellie Vitaich
23 Russell Blvd.
Davis, CA 95616
- In person at: the Parks and Community Services Public Counter, located at City Hall (23 Russell Blvd)
The awards will be presented at the May 19, 2026 City Council meeting. For more information, please email Kellie Vitaich at: kvitaich@cityofdavis.org or https://www.cityofdavis.org/goldenheartawards.
