The Youth Advisory Council of Niceville has been recognized as one of three winners of the prestigious 2025 Florida League of Cities Youth Council Excellence Award for their community service efforts supporting local veterans.

• The Youth council was one of only three recipients statewide to receive the prestigious honor this year.

Under the leadership of former councilman Sal Nodjomian, the group has completed several community projects with a particular focus on supporting veterans at the Bob Hope Enlisted Village. Council members decorated doors for 30 residents and distributed holiday cards to honor local veterans.

“I am extremely proud of this Youth Advisory Council cohort and everything they have accomplished,” Nodjomian said. “They are part of an impressive lineage of young leaders who have participated in our YAC since its inception over 10 years ago.”

• Nodjomian noted that the Niceville Youth Advisory Council “remains the gold standard in the State of Florida,” with many former members now applying their experiences in professional settings.

As winners of the Excellence Award, the Niceville council will receive a $500 prize, a trophy, and will be featured in the League’s Quality Cities magazine as well as on the organization’s website and social media outlets.

Beyond the veterans project, the council has participated in Legislative Action Days in Tallahassee, deepening their understanding of government operations through hands-on experience.

• “What these young volunteers accomplished goes beyond festive decorations or holiday cards. They created moments of connection, kindness, and community,” said Florida League of Cities president Michael C. Blake, Mayor of Cocoa. “I’m incredibly proud of the Niceville Youth Advisory Council for reminding our seniors and veterans that they are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated during the holiday season.”

The Youth Advisory Council, composed of local high school students, serves as a junior city board offering younger perspectives on community issues while developing civic leadership skills.

As the current council’s term concludes this month, leadership will transition to a new group of students under the mentorship of newly elected Councilman Doug Tolbert.

• Students interested in joining must attend Niceville High School, Rocky Bayou Christian School, Collegiate High School, Florida Virtual School, or be homeschooled. Applicants should be entering grades 9-12 in the fall and maintain at least a 2.25 grade point average. 

To apply for the Youth Advisory Council, students can request an application by emailing cityclerk@nicevillefl.gov. Five youth members will be selected, with each city council member choosing one applicant.