Children's Champion Nominee Information - Smart Start New Hanover County

Smart Start of New Hanover County is proud to recognize very deserving individuals like yourself for your exceptional service to young children and their families in New Hanover County.

Each year, we solicit nominations from the public, and a committee of Smart Start’s Board of Directors selects the award winner. We will honor all of our nominees and announce the Champion at our Children’s Champions Awards & Fundraiser event on Tuesday, April 14th, 1-3pm at Plaza on Princess (Ceremony at 2pm).

Please kindly complete the online 2026 Nominee Information Form below by Monday, March 9th.
(email jennifer.gallo@newhanoverkids.org if you prefer a Word format).

The selection committee will use the information from this form, as well as your nominator’s input, to help select this year’s winner. In addition to completing the information form, please email to jennifer.gallo@newhanoverkids.org:

A digital photo of yourself (headshot) to use in media features of this year’s nominees.
Names and email addresses for anyone that you would like us to invite to attend the event on April 14th. You will also have the opportunity to share registration information with others at a later date if you forget to add someone.

Congratulations again, and we are excited to celebrate your essential work in our community!

Please choose one:

I agree to be a nominee for the Smart Start Children’s Champion Award. I understand that I will be invited to join all nominees on the stage at the Awards Ceremony. I understand that a photograph and information about me will be published in multiple media publications. If I am selected as this year’s winner, I will be offered an opportunity to speak for one minute to the audience.
I do not wish to be recognized as a nominee for the Smart Start Children’s Champion Award.

Please choose one:

I plan to attend the Children’s Champions Awards Ceremony
I am unable to attend the Children’s Champions Award Ceremony.

our improving you

Your name as you would like to see it in print in our literature.

Please answer the following questions about yourself to provide the Selection Committee with information about your service to young children in New Hanover County. Feel free to attach pages or to provide other pertinent material such as videos or samples of your work for the committee’s review. Among the factors considered in selecting this year’s champions are length of service, innovation and creativity, serving a high-risk population, passion for your work, commitment, dedication, and unsung heroes.

Your job title, occupation, and employer (if applicable).

Describe your “length of service” to young children and/or their families in New Hanover County.

Describe the ages of the children you serve/have served in the community.

Describe the type(s) of service you currently provide to young children and/or their families in New Hanover County. Include all relevant work on behalf of young children and families you provide and/or have provided.

What drives/motivates you to do the job that you do?

Your accomplishments or efforts are significant and prompted your nominator to submit your name for consideration. Please share, from YOUR perspective, the importance of your work, contributions, successes, etc. to improving the well-being of young children. Don’t be afraid to toot your horn.

If you have questions, contact jennifer.gallo@newhanoverkids.org or call (910)815-3731 x1028.

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