Tom Lee Rising Heroes Awards recognizes exceptional youth in Memphis who have demonstrated great acts of courage, generosity and humanity like Memphis hero, Tom Lee.
Tom Lee is remembered for his rescue of 32 people from a capsized steamboat on the Mississippi River in 1925. His bravery and selflessness serve as an inspiration for this award aimed at recognizing the next generation of leaders in our community.
Deadline for nominations is on November 1, 2024.
Award Categories
Courage - Showing remarkable bravery, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. Ability to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Generosity - Going above and beyond to help others without expecting anything in return exhibiting kindness and selflessness.
Humanity - Making significant contributions to the well-being and betterment of one’s community or society at large. These individuals demonstrate empathy, inclusiveness, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be teenagers 13 - 19 years old residing in Memphis or Shelby County, TN. Nominees must have been a teenager at the start of 2024.
- Nominees must have demonstrated notable achievements in one of the award categories.
Nomination Process
Nominations can be submitted by teachers, mentors, community leaders, or peers. The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2024.
Awards and Recognition
A panel of community leaders will review the nominations and select the winners. Three winners will be chosen for each award category. The nine finalists will be notified in December 2024 before awarded at the second annual This Is Memphis celebration in February 2025.