24th Annual Y Teen Character Awards
Presented by Rhinelander Rotary
📅 Sunday, April 12
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 The Pines Event Center
For more than two decades, the Y Teen Character Awards have been one of the Northwoods’ most inspiring traditions—celebrating outstanding teens from communities including Lakeland, Tomahawk, Eagle River, Rhinelander, Crandon, Three Lakes, Phelps, and many surrounding areas. Each year, this signature event recognizes young people who exemplify the Y’s four core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
2026 Winners will be announced soon!
Who We Recognize
The Teen Character Awards highlight students who show exceptional character not only in big moments, but in the everyday choices that define who they are. Honorees are nominated by teachers, counselors, coaches, neighbors, family members, and community leaders who witness their positive influence firsthand.
What We Look For
The award selection focuses on how nominees demonstrate:
- Caring through kindness, empathy, and service
- Honesty through integrity and truthful actions
- Respect by valuing others and treating them with dignity
- Responsibility by being dependable, accountable, and committed
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Tickets for the 24th Annual Teen Character Awards are now available!
Click the link below to reserve your spot at this inspiring community celebration:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses and organizations are invited to support the 24th Annual Teen Character Awards through the following sponsorship levels:
🥇 $3,000 — Presenting Event Sponsor
Rhinelander Rotary
🏆 $1,500 — Award Sponsorship
📣 $1,500 — Media Sponsorship
WJFW Newswatch 12
🍽️ $1,500 — Food Sponsorship
🪑 $500 — Table Sponsorships
Ripco Credit Union
These sponsorship levels are defined in the YMCA’s Business Partnership Program for the 2025–2026 year.
Your support allows the Y to recognize outstanding teens, host an inspiring community celebration, and provide scholarship opportunities that help young leaders continue their education.
If your business would like to become a sponsor, please contact Matt Steingraber for details on partnership opportunities and recognition benefits.
2026 Winners will be announced soon!
Y Teen Character Scholarship
Presented by the Steingraber Family
The Y Teen Character Scholarship, presented by the Steingraber Family, recognizes students who exemplify the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. This scholarship supports young people who have already been honored for their outstanding character and who continue to lead with integrity as they pursue higher education.
About the Scholarship
Each year, the Steingraber Family awards a $500 scholarship to a deserving student who previously earned a Y Teen Character Award. This scholarship celebrates teens who continue to model strong character in their daily actions, relationships, and future goals.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a previous Y Teen Character Award recipient
- Be attending a college or technical school during the 2026–2027 academic year
- Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Selection Criteria
Strong applicants will:
- Show continued dedication to the YMCA core values
- Demonstrate leadership in school, work, family, or community
- Exhibit responsibility in pursuing academic and personal goals
- Reflect the qualities that earned their original Teen Character Award
Submission Deadline
All applications must be submitted by April 3rd.
Recognition
The selected scholarship recipient will be recognized during the Y Teen Character Awards celebration, honoring their continued commitment to strong character and their educational aspirations.