Press Release, City of Valparaiso:
The City of Valparaiso is seeking extraordinary youth to recognize in their Rising Star Award program, created by the Valparaiso Mayor’s Youth Council. The Rising Star Award was introduced in 2024 to celebrate the abundance of responsible, intelligent and hardworking youth that contribute to the success of Valparaiso every day. “We see so many extraordinary young people in Valparaiso and wish to support the youth council’s enthusiasm in recognizing these emerging leaders,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
The Rising Star Award recognizes benevolence, leadership and perseverance, qualities the Mayor’s Youth Council chose as worthy of recognition. In its first year, the Mayor’s Youth Council named Evan and Ryan Quackenbush as Valparaiso’s Rising Stars. Twins Evan and Ryan Quackenbush were very engaged in raising support and funds for Flounder & Friends, Valparaiso’s skatepark, among other worthy efforts.
Nominate a Rising Star
To nominate a Valparaiso resident (aged 10-18) for the Rising Star recognition, find the application at tinyurl.com/ValpoStar. Applications are due by November 9, 2025. You may learn more about the Rising Star and the Good Neighbor recognitions on the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.