SLS Awards
Each year SLS recognizes the chapters, advisors, students, volunteers, and partners who carry student-led prevention forward. Several awards honor the people who shaped that work and whose names the awards now carry.
Presented each year at the SLS High School Conference
How to nominate
Anyone in the SLS community can put forward a chapter, advisor, student, volunteer, or partner. Review the criteria for the award you have in mind, then submit a nomination — one form covers the general awards, and the Student of the Year award has its own.
Most awards are nominated by the community. The Pamela G. Voss-Page Lifetime Achievement Award is selected personally by SLS and is not open for nomination.
The awards
The criteria for each award, in brief.
SLS Chapter of the Year
A team of students and advisors who exemplify youth-led prevention, grow stronger each year, reach a significant number of students, and show clear, evident impact in their school.
SLS Advisor of the Year
Enables students to reach their potential, lives the chapter’s beliefs, and shows dedication to the chapter’s goals over at least two years.
Charlie Stilec Spirit Award
A chapter that brings positive energy and enthusiasm to the SLS mission — running community service projects and substance-free activities, and living the values in everything it does.
Most Improved Chapter
A chapter showing significant growth in membership, fundraising, activities, sponsorships, and accomplishments, with clear “before and after” evidence of improved school climate.
The “BEAR” Award
Named after Russell Reiterman, Advisor of the Year 2000, Henry Ford II High School. Honors someone who welcomes students with an open mind and heart, engages youth in the SLS mission, empowers them to use their strengths, and mentors with respect.
Unsung Hero Award
Named after Doris Vega, former SLS staff and a dear friend and mentor of SAB alumni. Honors someone who supports students and SLS behind the scenes, gives unselfishly, and goes above and beyond with no expectation of recognition.
SLS Volunteer of the Year
A volunteer who devotes time and effort to SLS, contributes to its events, and helps the organization meet its goals. Must be actively involved and not currently employed by SLS.
Outstanding Grant Project
A project making creative use of community, school, and student resources, reaching beyond typical school-based prevention, with clear youth-led strategies and strong administration and community support.
Community Partner of the Year
A chapter that partners effectively with local businesses, foundations, service organizations, law enforcement, health and safety services, and others — with students taking the lead and clear evidence the partnership met its goals.
Pamela G. Voss-Page Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognizes at least ten years of outstanding service and personal sacrifice for SLS — a former member or Student Advisory Board alum who remains actively involved and devotes time to the organization. Selected personally by SLS; not open for nomination.
Student of the Year
Honors an outstanding student leader. The recipient receives a plaque, a $300 college scholarship, and SLS recognition and representation at community events. Student of the Year has its own nomination form.
Submit a nomination
Choose the path that fits the award.
General awards
For all awards except Student of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nominate someone →Prefer to submit by email or download a form? Contact the SLS office and we’ll send you a copy.
Awards are presented at the Conference
Each year’s winners are recognized at the SLS High School Conference — the convergence of chapters from across Michigan.