About the Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Awards

Established in 2008 by Sherwood H. Smith Jr., the Sherwood H. Smith Children’s Champion Awards recognize two individuals each year for their exemplary work in improving the lives of children in Northeast Florida. One award is bestowed for service and one for advocacy. Each winner receives a framed award certificate and a check for $1,000 to do with as they wish. The awards are named for the late Sherwood H. Smith Sr., a community trustee and an advocate for the common good. Smith Sr. embodied a spirit of service. As one of the foremost leaders of our predecessor, the Jacksonville Community Chest, Smith Sr.’s legacy of leadership and continue to be integral to United Way’s success in changing lives in our community.

Award Categories

Service: An individual who has demonstrated exemplary service in working directly with children and youth.

Advocacy: A community advocate whose efforts have resulted in positive change in policies or conditions that impact the well-being of children and youth in Northeast Florida.

Nomination forms are available to United Way certified agencies and to our partners working to improve the lives of young people in our community. A selection committee will review the nominations and select a deserving recipient in each category.

Advocacy