FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE) has been honored with the Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Award at the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) annual conference in Washington, D.C.

The students from Canterbury School were recognized at the June 25 event for their initiative that fed 500 families at Tice Elementary School over the Thanksgiving holiday last year. The AACE members designed and implemented a comprehensive plan to feed families of students in pre-K through fifth grade.

"We're honored to receive this award, and the $1,000 to our organization, from the National Youth Leadership Council," said Noah Moon, AACE founder. "It's a reflection of our dedication and commitment to supporting the youth in our community. This recognition inspires us to continue our mission of helping every student feel seen, heard and empowered to thrive in school and in life."

The school population faces many real challenges, including food insecurity, language barriers and economic hardship. The goal was not charity, but a way to make a connection.

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Staff at NYLC said what made this initiative award-worthy was not its scale, although feeding 500 children is no small feat, but its intentionality. Student leaders researched the community before designing the program. They sourced culturally familiar foods, and they recruited Spanish-speaking peers to engage directly with families.

Additionally, they wore matching shirts with Tice Elementary students during a school-wide Turkey Trot, a gesture that sounds simple but communicated something profound: "we are not here to help you. We are here with you."

That distinction is at the heart of NYLC's vision of service learning. The AACE members didn't perform service; they practiced citizenship.

Earlier in the four-day long conference, AACE members Juan Lopez and Gilliane Fort Cannock were chosen to take part in a panel discussion at the opening session of the event. "Youth Voices Lighting the Way" spotlighted the bold ideas, fearless leadership and transformative action of young people who are changing their communities and the world right now.

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The conference included student showcases, workshops, networking events, community service projects, learning labs and panel discussions, all centered around youth leadership and service-learning. This gave the AACE members the opportunity to connect with youth leaders, educators, nonprofit leaders and volunteers from across the country.

NYLC is the nation's leading organization in service-learning. It equips young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to amplify youth voice and co-create a more just, sustainable and peaceful world.

AACE helps implement a supportive space where young people of all backgrounds build self-esteem, resilience and positive relationships through mentorship and guidance from student-athletes. To find out more about the opportunities to bring their program to your organization, please visit AACEToEmpower.org/Contact.