Cochrane is fortunate to have many innovative and engaged youth.

We've made a habit of recognizing their contributions to our social fabric in the past, and it continues this year in a new virtual form.

The Youth ROCS (Recognized for Outstanding Community Spirit) awards recognize youth who make a difference in our community through their volunteer and leadership contributions.

This week, Youth ROCS is celebrating them with social media shout-out, and real-life gifts.

The town is inviting invite public recognition of local youth on Facebook and award daily recognition gifts by random draw. Individuals, community groups, educational institutions and volunteer organizations can nominate young people in elementary, middle, or high school for their positive and lasting contributions to the community.

Daily draws will be made this week for gift card prize packs valued at $70. At the end of the week, one winner will be drawn from all entries for a gift card prize pack valued at $125.

To recognize a youth go here.

The program is administered by Cochrane Family & Community Support Services (FCSS). Recognition prizes are made possible by the Government of Alberta, Volunteer Alberta, and Canlin Energy.

Prior to Youth ROCS, outstanding youth were recognized at a Leaders of Tomorrow evening in the spring.