Help Us Celebrate Rockaway’s Up and Coming 20 Under 40 — Nominations Open!

RT readers—Do you know of a local mover and shaker between the ages of 13 and 40 making an impact in our community? The Rockaway Times not only wants to hear about their efforts, but also give them the recognition they deserve in our 2023 Inaugural 20 Under 40 Leadership Awards. Ranging in age from Gen Z to elder-millennial, collectively these 20 community-minded men and women not only demonstrate and exemplify outstanding leadership and creativity in business, philanthropy, sports, health, education and more—but also understand Rockaway’s greatest resource is its people. And dear readers—we beckon you to take ownership in recognizing these trailblazing Rockaway stalwarts. 

Whether they are fighting against school bullying, fundraising for a special cause, exemplifying true sportsmanship on the field, or are a business owner paying it forward, NYPD crossing guard or Neighborhood Community Officer (NCO), FDNY, sanitation worker, local politician, anyone—including those working behind the scenes—the common dominator these individuals share is their steadfast dedication to making our ocean/bayside community a blessed place to thrive for all. They each demonstrate extraordinary professional accomplishments or distinguished service to others, wherever they are in their career, community service or combination of the two.

Assisting The Rockaway Times 20 Under 40 judge panel will be longtime community advocates, who like our staff, both live in Rockaway and diligently work towards boosting our community.

So, starting today, Thursday, February 16, get a jumpstart on sending in your nominations! Nominations should be sent via email to editor@rockawaytimes.com with the subject line, “RT 20 Under 40.” Email submissions should include: Nominee’s name; Nominee’s birthdate, (which won’t be printed, but note, they must be age 13 or younger than 40 by May 25, 2023); Nominee’s occupation, (place of business, where they volunteer or school they attend); Nominee’s community or township of residence (for example, Rockaway Beach, NY); Nominee’s community activity; Nominee’s contact information, (including email and phone number, which will not be printed); and a 200-word or less explanation of why your nominee is deserving for the award. When submitting your nomination, be very descriptive as to why you feel that the individual should be considered. For example, include professional achievements and/or community involvement, plus feel free to share your personal anecdotes and insights about what sets your nominee apart; what makes them a local trailblazer.

Nomination period ends Friday, April 28, then on May 25, winners will be announced and profiled in The Rockaway Times upcoming “20 Under 40” special edition and our annual Summer & Community Guide, plus more announcements on the pike.

Folks—join The Rockaway Times in celebrating these deserved “20 Under 40,” who make Rockaway a beautiful community to not just proudly live, but thrive.

For more information, email: editor@rockawaytimes.com