Awards of Excellence

Awards of Excellence Applications are now being accepted for 2021. These awards are given to students who demonstrate good character, balanced achievement, and outstanding commitment to the community. Eligible students are graduating high school seniors who have a parent who is a first responder, paid or non paid, that works in Douglas, Sarpy or Pottawattamie County, in Nebraska and Iowa. Read below for more details on the program.

Applications must be mailed to the First Responders Foundation and postmarked on or before March 1, 2021. Applications must be downloaded, filled out, and mailed back to the Foundation. There is no option for an online application submission. For questions please email contact@firstrespondersomaha.org.

Winners will be announced on March 22, 2021.

Click here for an application.

Behind the Award

Every spring the Foundation presents Awards of Excellence to students who demonstrate good character, balanced achievement, and outstanding commitment to the community. The recipients of this prestigious award receive $500 and recognition at an annual Awards of Excellence reception.

The First Responders Foundation started the Awards of Excellence in 2017 to acknowledge outstanding high school seniors who are children of first responders.

Every year the accomplishments of these exceptional students are remarkable. The award is not given to those with just good grades, but to students who are involved in their school and community, family activities, who volunteer and work with nonprofits, and have impressive work histories. These students have exceeded expectations and give society hope and confidence for the future.

Part of the mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all first responders and their families. Most parents don’t wear bullet-proof vests or fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus or take life and death calls when at work.

Children of first responders live a different life not knowing if their loved one will return home at the end of their shift or what emotional stress they may endure. They also learn to live with parents that often miss special events and holidays, because the life of a public servant is 24/7. The Foundation believes it takes a special person to become a first responder and their whole family shares in their service and sacrifice.

Eligibility

Students must:

be graduating high school seniors
have “C” or higher grade point average
have a parent who is a first responder, paid or non-paid, that works in Douglas, Sarpy or Pottawattamie Counties in NE and IA

Demonstrate good character, balanced achievement, outstanding commitment to and interest in furthering their success.

The recipients will be selected by the First Responders Foundation Awards of Excellence Selection Committee. If selected they must agree to allow the First Responders Foundation to use their name and photo. There are a limited number of Awards of Excellence awards.

How to Apply

Applications must be printed and mailed to the First Responders Foundation.
Students are required to submit an application with supporting documentation detailing:

High school activities
Achievements and awards
Community involvement
Accomplishments
Personal essay for the selection committee to learn more about the applicant. Please include future career and/or vocation goals.