Kentucky Youth Assembly Awards
Awards may differ between virtual and in-person conferences.
Advisor Award Nominations
The Kentucky YMCA Youth Association presents awards on the final morning of the conference in an effort to recognize and reward the achievements of our Delegates and Advisors. Awards are decided upon through Advisor and Volunteer nominations and Y-Staff observations; nominations for your own school/students will not be counted. Please use the link below to submit your award nominations by no later than 7:00pm on Day 2:
Delegation Awards
Outstanding Delegation
Awarded to a Premier Delegation recognized by its peers as having the overall highest quality of participation, level of preparedness, and behavior exemplifying the Y’s four core values and culture.
Outstanding Statesmanship
Awarded to one delegation recognized by its peers as having the highest overall quality of contribution to debate.
Best New Delegation
Awarded to one delegation who is also a first-time delegation at KYA with the highest quality of participation, level of preparedness, and behavior exemplifying the Y’s four core values.
Conference Life Award
Awarded to one delegation recognized by its peers as creating a positive conference environment through the embodiment of the Y’s core culture values: nurturing, welcoming, genuine, hopeful, and determined.
Premier Delegation
Presented to all delegations that meet the following requirements:
- Delegation meets all conference requirements including: on-time and complete registration, on-time payment, full caucus participation, and on-time submission of awards nomination forms.
- All delegation’s participants excel in the areas they choose to participate.
- Their words and actions embody the spirit and purpose of the conference. (Participation in every program is encouraged but not required.)
- Participants, advisors, and chaperones exemplify the Y’s four core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
- No major disciplinary issues. (at discretion of Y-Staff)
Bill Associated Awards
Outstanding Bill Packet (Bluegrass and Commonwealth)
Awarded to the delegation whose bills demonstrate the highest level of preparation, presentation, and relevance based on student ranking. Bills must be written in proper format to be considered.
Outstanding Commonwealth Bill
Awarded to the sponsors with the most innovative, well-researched,and thought-provoking Commonwealth Bill based on student ranking. Bill must be written in proper format to be considered.
Outstanding Bluegrass Bill
Awarded to the sponsors with the most innovative, well-researched,and thought-provoking Bluegrass Bill based on student ranking. Bill must be written in proper format to be considered.
Additionally, Bills can also be honored with the following awards
Highest Ranked – Awarded to sponsors that have the highest ranked bill based on student rankings during Committees.
Signed into Law – Bills that, after being passed in both chambers and were signed into law by the Governor.
Passed by Two Chambers – Bills that were heard and passed in both the House and Senate Chambers. Legislative Research Commission Seal of Approval (HS CW Only) – High School CW bills that are in the correct format and therefore considered Constitutional will be given the LRC Seal of Approvalon their bill page in their conference bill book.
Individual Awards
Outstanding Speaker
Awarded to the top delegates most frequently nominated by Advisors based on their presence and performance in Committees and Chambers, as well as behavior exemplifying of the Y’s four core values.
Outstanding Delegate
Awarded to one delegate per school nominated by Advisors based on their presence and performance prior to and at the conference, as well as behavior exemplifying of the Y’s four core values.
Advisor Hall of Fame
Every year, the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association has the pleasure of inducting advisors into our Advisor Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is an award given to advisors that have gone above and beyond in supporting students through Kentucky YMCA programs. Inductees are announced during the closing sessions of both KYA and KUNA.
To be eligible, advisors must have volunteered their services with Kentucky YMCA programs for a minimum of 10 years and receive a nomination from either a Y-staff member, current student, teacher or alum of the program. You can also nominate a teacher or advisor who is no longer in the program but meets the requirements.
If you are interested in nominating an advisor for the Hall of Fame, please submit the form below. The form is open year-round.
Advisor Hall of Fame Nominate Form
Program Area Awards (HS ONLY!)
Team-Based Program Area Awards
Outstanding Advocate Team
Awarded to the team from the Supreme Court program based on the evidence of their preparation, quality of their presentation, and behavior exemplifying the Y’s four core values.
Outstanding Lobbyist Firm
Awarded to the team of students who were most successful in getting their packet of bills passed or defeated
Individual Program Area Awards
Outstanding Lobbyist
Given to the lobbyist who best advances their agenda while displaying behavior exemplifying of The Y’s four core values.
Outstanding Advocates
Given to individuals from the Supreme Court program based on evidence of their preparation, quality of their presentation, and behavior exemplifying The Y’s four core values.
Outstanding Advocate Case Winners
Given to the winning team based on their successful presentation in the Outstanding Advocate Case.
Outstanding Media Corps Delegate
Awarded to the Media Corps member who puts forth the most effort, displays genuine teamwork, produces a quality product, and behaves in a manner exemplifying the Y’s four core values.
Senior Cords
The Kentucky YMCA has Senior Cords available for all seniors who attend KYA or KUNA their senior year. Below are the qualifications for Senior Cords:
Explanation of Cord Eligibility:
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- Red/White/Blue single cord is given to those who have attended at least TWO KYA and/or KUNA CONFERENCES, including the one they are at when cords are given.
- Red/White/Blue and Silver double cord is given to those who have attended KYA and/or KUNA for FOUR YEARS and/or has been a Student Y Member for FOUR YEARS (regardless of KYA/KUNA attendance).
- NOTE: Seniors must be present at their Senior KYA/KUNA to receive their cord. *Absence due to illness is excused.
Seniors who meet the qualifications listed above will be eligible for a cord, but still will be required to do one of the following to receive the cord:
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- If a senior Student Y Member, the cost of the cord is included in the Student Y fee. They will be distributed at the conference.
- If a senior is not a member, they will have the option to purchase the cord they qualify for at the Y-Store during normal hours.
*Y-Staff reserves the right to process and develop awards as merited.