Upper Merion Area Spotlight is launching a new weekly feature designed to recognize standout performances by young people throughout the Upper Merion community.

Spotlight Standout will recognize local youth ages 10–18 for memorable accomplishments in sports, recreation and competitive activities.

The first week of Spotlight Standout nominations will begin the week of August 31.

The feature is intentionally broader than a traditional “Athlete of the Week.”

A Spotlight Standout could be a soccer player who scores a game-winning goal, a swimmer who sets a personal best, a dancer who delivers a memorable performance, a gymnast who reaches a new milestone, or a young person who demonstrates exceptional leadership, perseverance or sportsmanship.

To be eligible, nominees must be between 10 and 18 years old and live within the Upper Merion Area School District.

Parents, guardians, coaches, instructors, relatives and others can submit nominations through Upper Merion Area Spotlight’s online nomination form.

Each nomination should recognize a recent standout accomplishment or moment.

Every eligible nominee will be recognized as a Spotlight Standout in Upper Merion Area Spotlight’s weekly coverage.

One of that week’s Spotlight Standouts will then be selected at random using the Spotlight Wheel for a chance to win Standout Performance of the Season.

Rather than comparing accomplishments across different sports and activities, the random selection gives every eligible Standout an equal opportunity to advance.

A specific accomplishment may only be nominated once, although a young person can be nominated again in a future week for a different accomplishment.

Spotlight Standout will operate across four seasons each year:

Weekly Spotlight Standouts selected by the wheel will advance for a chance to earn Standout Performance of the Season for their respective season.

At the conclusion of each season, Upper Merion Area Spotlight will recognize one seasonal winner before beginning a new group of weekly Standouts for the next season.

Know a local 10–18-year-old who deserves some recognition?

Save the nomination form now and be ready when the first week begins August 31.

Families, coaches and community members are encouraged to keep the nomination link handy throughout the year whenever a young person has a moment worth celebrating. It can also be found at the top of our website.

The Fall season of Spotlight Standout is presented by E&J Next Gen Cards.

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Thank you for reading,

Corey