To the editor:

On Sunday, April 28, Youth Empowerment Association Inc. held its sixth annual Kids Choice Awards banquet. This event gives our community youth opportunity to nominate individuals that have made their lives more positive and beneficial.

This year we had teachers, coaches, band instructors, lunch ladies, pastors from surrounding communities, and individuals who give of themselves for the kids to escort them down the red carpet to be honored. A special tribute to the Jeff Paulson family to honor his wonderful love of supporting youth as he drove bus for Manson Northwest Webster.

This year, we also had several amazing individuals from Rockwell City bring a community together as well as the entire state together for a common cause.

Jacey McAlexander from South Central Calhoun fought the battle of his life with cancer, but he uses his short time here to help others more than himself, sparking a great school of amazing teammates and friends to follow.

Our Ohana Award winner this year shows what family is and they never let anyone to be left behind or forgotten. Thank you McAlexander family and SCC for showing how great the people of Iowa can be.

The Community Caring Award went to Patrick Buckley for the past several years now providing our fishing tournament with prizes for our young anglers to honor his late son Jim’s name. He has given a passion for the sport for these kids to continue fishing. Come out and see for yourself June 1st at Kennedy and be amazed by his quiet generosity.

Fort Frenzy provided this venue for our kids with wonderful decorations and the catering from Olde Boston’s which provided everyone with a delicious dinner.

Mojo Productions provided us with the sounds for our extraordinary presentations to recognize our recipients honorably. The personable service and assistance to this event bring us to call them our new friends.

These businesses care about the youth and the health of our community for this event and it would not be possible without them. Please support these great businesses because they support your kids more than you’ll ever know. Thanks again to all. Next year’s nominations are now open.

Jenny Johnson

Fort Dodge