Monterey youth: apply for the Immigrant Youth Achievement Award

Here's one of my favorite dreams: that one of the young, talented immigrants I've profiled wins the American Immigration Council’s annual Immigrant Achievement Awards.

José Hernández, I'm looking at you! ;-)

But anyone else from the Central Coast would make me happy.

The Immigrant Youth Achievement Award celebrates high-achieving young immigrants, whose personal accomplishments and contributions demonstrate the impact young immigrants are having on our nation every day.

Here's the requirements:

• Candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 25 years of age on April 11, 2013;
• They must be an immigrant to the United States, including those who have become naturalized citizens.
• His or her accomplishments must reflect more than personal success and should have evidence of a commitment to making a positive impact in their community or the world around them;

For more information and submit a nomination, click here. Only emailed submissions are accepted. Deadline: February 1, 2013.