The award presented in early 2023 for the contributions throughout 2022. Photo by Chad Lauritzen

C’YA News:

Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) has launched its annual Community Asset Awards for 2023. The community celebration highlights stories of those who live, work or school in Los Alamos for contributions to the community and more.

The C’YA motto of “Take A Second, Make A Difference”, has highlighted the good deeds done by individuals in our community for more than a decade, as a local 501-c-3. People are able to nominate someone all year long, but a larger amount of attention is drawn to the project, during a month where we are meant to be most thankful.

C’YA recognizes individuals, groups, businesses and organizations that make our community, our state and sometimes even the world, a better place. While the pandemic has weighed heavily on many programs, including their mail for local military personnel and veterans, fundraising efforts and holding in person Community Asset Awards events, 2024 is looking good.

There is no cost to nominate people for an award, in fact, all are recognized during the process. Several awards go to the top three nominations. The Director’s Choice Award allowed for C’YA Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen to spotlight the work of additional nominees. The highlight of the night is the top award called “The Spirit of the West”. The award is annually handcrafted by regional artist Richard Ronquillo of Rich Welding, LLC.

“The Spirit of the West Award was created in the name of former County Councilor Jim West,” Lauritzen said. “He knew about it before he passed away and I wanted to further his goal of seeing people recognized for not just doing well in sports or academics,” but for being awesome people. According to Lauritzen, West thought it would be wonderful if it included recognizing people for being really great parents. That’s why the program welcomes great stories for people of all ages.

You can find the form on www.cya-nm.org, request one by calling or texting 505.695.9139 or picking one up at the annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, Nov. 18 at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. The event raises funds for both LARSO and C’YA and celebrates its 21st year.

You can even drop an email to cya.org@att.net.

“If we had theme music, you’d hear Andy Williams singing It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” Lauritzen said. “We hope this year, we will be able to open the awards ceremony up to the community again, the last few years have looked a little different, but we hope for more in early 2024, when the event will be held.”