2025 Champions for Children Awards Nominations

The Children’s Trust Champions for Children Awards Ceremony honors the remarkable individuals and programs dedicated to serving children and families. This annual, signature event is one of the most anticipated within the child advocacy community and throughout Miami-Dade County. Join us in celebrating these champions and be inspired to make a lasting impact on the lives of our children. 

Use this site to submit nominations for the:

  • David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award
  • Excellence in Direct Service Award
  • Excellence in Youth Leadership Award

David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award
This prestigious annual award honors an individual for their lifetime of outstanding dedication and achievements in improving the lives of children in Miami-Dade County. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a profound commitment to children’s causes, leading to real and lasting change. By celebrating these remarkable contributions, The Children's Trust aims to inspire others to work towards bettering the lives of children and families in our community. Please note that current board members and staff of The Children's Trust are not eligible for nomination.

Excellence in Direct Service Award
The Excellence in Direct Service Award recognizes an employee (not a manager or executive level staff) of a program funded by The Children's Trust whose primary duties are to provide direct service to children and families and has done so in an exemplary fashion. The honoree is an inspiration to their co-workers and consistently performs above and beyond their job duties to serve the children and families of Miami-Dade. In specific, identifiable circumstances on various occasions, the nominee has shown a willingness to perform duties and responsibilities beyond what is required in their position. They exemplify the belief that the human element makes a difference in the lives of others and recognizes that the human touch must be extended far beyond the confines of a standard workday.

Excellence in Youth Leadership Award
This annual award is bestowed to a high school-aged youth who demonstrates exemplary advocacy and service in their daily life, displays exceptional leadership and stands as an inspiration to those around them. The award highlights a youth’s dedication and passion for working collaboratively to find solutions to community issues. The honoree’s notable commitment to the community demonstrates an impact on children and families in Miami-Dade County. By providing recognition to a youth who has dedicated considerable time and initiative on behalf of children and families, The Trust hopes to motivate other youth to engage in advocacy, service and leadership to work toward improving the lives of children and families in their community.

The Trust Board of Director's student representative is not eligible to receive this award. Anyone can submit a nomination (e.g. teachers, parents, mentors, students) or a youth may nominate themselves. Youth nominees must either be under 18, or still in school (grades 9 -12) at the time of nomination. Youth nominees should currently be involved in advocacy efforts or actively encouraging ongoing advocacy efforts to improve the lives of children, youth and their families in Miami-Dade County.