Bloomington Recognizes Students Who Act Generously, Grow, and Earn Respect with annual S.W.A.G.G.E.R Awards

(Courtesy Photo) Pictured (left to right): CSCY Commissioner Erin Reynolds-Nylund, Jesslyn Robinson, Quentin Farmer, Deputy Mayor Larry Allen, CSCY Commissioner Katie Hopkins. Not pictured: winners J'Leonna Gardner and D'Meccio Jones-Opara

On Friday, October 6th, in a ceremony at City Hall, four young nominees won S.W.A.G.G.E.R (Students Who Act Generously, Grow, and Earn Respect) Awards. They were selected from among 14 impressive young people, all of whom were recognized for their meaningful and generous acts.

Youth nominees fall into four school-age grade groups: K-2, 3-6, 7-8 and 9-12. Nominations come from educators, neighbors, friends, relatives, and clergy of students who live or attend school within the Monroe County Community School Corporation area.

This year’s winners included D’Meccio Jones-Opara (K-2), through hard work in school and other areas of his life, displays growth and kindness that promotes reciprocity among his peers through sharing, trying things when they are scary, and withstanding trials and tribulations with the lightest of hearts; Jesslyn Robinson (3-6), who continually earns the respect of her peers and the adults around her, through her interactions, her conscientiousness, and her kind hearted spirit; J’Leonna Gardner (7-8), who has shown growth and earned respect through her leadership skills by being a problem solver, and standing up for children who are being bullied; and Quentin Farmer (9-12), who has acted generously towards adults and his peers by leading the Unified Track Team with a kind spirit, making sure everyone feels included and supported, as well as being a helping hand to his classmates, teachers, and staff at the Boys and Girls Club.

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After a welcome from the Chair of the City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Children and Youth (CSCY), Katie Hopkins, and remarks from Deputy Mayor Larry Allen, each winner received a personalized proclamation from the City of Bloomington and prizes donated by organizations. 

“The S.W.A.G.G.E.R. Award ceremony is a heartwarming event, celebrating some of our finest young community members,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “I would like to extend my hearty congratulations to the winners, and to all of the young people who were nominated. Bloomington clearly has a bright future.” 

The purpose of the Commission on the Status of Children and Youth is to promote connections in our community that empower, enhance, and nurture children and youth. One of the Commission’s goals is to celebrate the successes of children and youth. The S.W.A.G.G.E.R. award criteria acknowledge children and youth who have shown commitment to a cause or taken action(s) that has improved their lives and/or the lives of others around them.

All nominees (*Award Winners ):

• Happy Gilmore
• Quentin Farmer *
• Techin Visuthduangdusdee
• William Warner
• Aiden Woods
• Sawyer Scheid
• Audrey Herbin
• Blake Rhame
• J’Leonna Gardner *
• Jesslyn Robinson *
• J’Lon Gardner
• Jesiah Morales
• Tiona Smith
• D’Meccio Jones-Opara*