Nancy R. Rotering Mayor | City of Highland Park
Nancy R. Rotering Mayor | City of Highland Park
The City of Highland Park has opened the nomination process for its 2025 awards, inviting community members to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations for their achievements and contributions. Nominations are being accepted online through December 31, 2025, via the city’s website at cityhpil.com/awards.
Anyone can submit a nomination for a member of the Highland Park community or a local business or nonprofit. The city encourages nominators to review award descriptions and requirements before submitting entries. Recipients of the Arts, Environmental, and Humanitarian awards will be chosen by the City Council with input from advisory groups. The Character Counts Pillar Awards nominations will be reviewed by the Character Counts Steering Committee, which includes representatives from the City, Park District of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112, and Highland Park High School. Winners of the Capture the Heart of Highland Park Photography Contest will be selected by the Cultural Arts Advisory Group after submissions open in January 2026.
An awards ceremony is scheduled for April 2026 at Highland Park High School. Additional details about the event will be posted on the city’s website.
According to the city’s announcement: “The Arts Award recognizes outstanding achievement in, or contributions to, the visual, performing, literary, and digital arts in Highland Park. Nominations will be reviewed by the Cultural Arts Advisory Group.”
“The Environmental Award recognizes individuals and businesses who have made substantial contributions to improve the environment or who have pursued significant and impactful projects to enhance sustainability in Highland Park. Nominations will be reviewed by the Sustainability Advisory Group.”
“The Humanitarian Award is presented to an outstanding Highland Park individual who has rendered significant, sustained service to the Highland Park community. Nominations will be reviewed by the Human Relations Advisory Group.”
“The Character Counts Pillar Awards recognize community members of all ages who have demonstrated the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.”
“Exciting changes are coming to the photography contest this year! Stay tuned - submissions will begin in January, 2026.”
More information about these awards and lists of previous winners can be found at cityhpil.com/awards.
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