2027 Lynda Lowery Youth Leadership Award Nomination Form

Lynda Lowery is noted as one of the youngest children to have marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Established in 2018, the purpose of the Lynda Lowery Leadership Award is to recognize a high school student who has shown commitment to building community, enhancing diversity, and working for justice. A committee comprised of community members and educators will make the final selection of the Lynda Lowery award winner.

Nomination process:

Each local high school as well as La Crosse youth organizations can nominate high school students who represents the following criteria. New this year: high school students in ANY grade level may be nominated:
1. Efforts are focused on issues of social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion (may include other justice issues that mirror Dr. King’s work, ie: poverty, peace, privilege, 6 principles of nonviolence)
2. Efforts include anti-racism work
3. Efforts work to empower and impact their peers
4. Efforts are directed toward creating positive change in their school and the greater La Crosse area
5. Any additional considerations or contributions
New this year - Any high school student may be nominated.
There is no limit to the number of nominees an organization can submit. We encourage you to please nominate one or more deserving young people.
To nominate, submit this nomination form by Friday, November 14, 2026.
The Lynda Lowery selection committee will select one community-wide award winner, who will be recognized at the January 19th, 2026 La Crosse Area Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. The student will be asked to accept the award and speak briefly on stage.

First Name

Last Name

Organization

Email *

Nominee Information

Student Nominee Name *

Student Nominee's High School *

Student Nominee's Grade Level (going into 2026-2027 school year) *

Student Nominee's Email *

Student Nominee's Home Address (if accessible)

Student Nominee's Phone Number *

Student Nominee's parent/caregiver/guardian first & last name (1st) *

Student Nominee's parent/caregiver/guardian first & last name (2nd)

Student Nominee's parent/guardian email *

Student Nominee's parent guardian address (if different)

Student Nominee's parent/guardian phone number *

Nomination

Please share why the nominee is a candidate for the Lynda Lowery award. Please address the award criteria with specific examples:

Efforts are focused on issues of social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion (may include other justice issues that mirror Dr. King’s work, ie: poverty, peace, privilege, 6 principles of nonviolence)
Efforts include anti-racism work
Efforts work to empower and impact their peers
Efforts are directed toward creating positive change in their school and the greater 
La Crosse area 
Any additional considerations or contributions
Nominations are due by Friday, November 14, 2026.

Please write statement supporting the nominee for the Lynda Lowery Award. Please be as specific as possible. *