This is a positive program with two key objectives. First, it helps encourage students to overcome their hardships and get back on track toward a high school diploma. Second, the award recognizes those students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments. This special recognition serves as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance really do pay.

The best way for a club to implement the project is by selecting a chairperson and committee. This group serves as the liaison between the club and community sources who will help locate these special students. Good resources to contact for prospective honorees include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs
• Guidance departments of local high schools
• Youth service programs
• Drug rehabilitation programs
• Churches
• MADD

The committee must also:

1. Manage the program throughout the duration of the project, which usually coincides with the nine-month school year.
2. Obtain permission, cooperation and endorsement of the institutions or groups from which the A.C.E. Award monthly winners will be selected.
3. Determine specific eligibility criteria for nominations. Any young person who has faced and overcome special challenges in life can be eligible for your club’s A.C.E. Award. A more detailed list of qualifying criteria can be developed by the A.C.E. Award committee, along with the type of organization or institution from which the candidates will be selected.
4. Select the judges and make sure they are informed about the nominees, as well as all of the rules and regulations of the program.
5. Determine the type of award(s) to be presented. Appoint a committee chairperson to see that final preparations for the award are made, including engraving and printing requirements. Many times it is appropriate to present an honoree with a monetary gift, designated for future education, in the form of a savings bond or scholarship. Or, a suitable plaque or certificate is also acceptable. Special A.C.E. Award plaques and certificates are available from your National Headquarters Supply Department.
6. Plan all the details of the award presentation, including who will make the presentation, what guests will be invited and the type of program.
7. Work closely with the club’s public relations committee to ensure maximum publicity. Obtain photographs of the winners and supply them to the media with a news release.

The type of award and method of recognition is solely up to the club, as is the number of awards given during the year. Here are some examples of how your club might implement your A.C.E. Award program:

After a club has chosen its top A.C.E. Award winner, the honoree’s name and qualifications should be submitted to the district for the district A.C.E. Award competition. Please use the A.C.E. Award application form available on the website, www.nationalexchangeclub.org or from National Headquarters or your district youth chairperson. Your district should appoint an A.C.E. Award chairperson. It is this person’s responsibility to set a deadline for all entries and make sure that clubs are informed of this deadline. During the district’s annual convention, a special ceremony/banquet should be organized to honor the A.C.E. Award winner.

Your district’s A.C.E. Award winner then becomes eligible to compete with honorees from all districts in Exchange for the title of National A.C.E. Award winner.

1. Each district may nominate two candidates (opposite genders) who live within the district.
2. Candidates must be qualified to graduate from public, parochial or private schools, and must have been selected as an A.C.E. Award winner on both club and district levels.
3. Entry deadline for A.C.E. Award winner candidates is June 1.
4. Each entry must be returned on an official entry form accompanied by the essays and a 5 X 7 photo. The entry must be signed by the district president, parents/guardian, and school official.

The National Exchange Club will present an award and a $10,000 scholarship to the A.C.E award recipient. The first $5,000 will be presented at the Youth Recognition Luncheon at the National Convention. The second $5,000 installment will be paid in full to the student’s school of choice at the time of registration of his or her sophomore year. In addition, the student will be recognized in Exchange’s national magazine, Exchange Today. As guests of the National Exchange Club, the award recipient and up to two adult chaperons (parents or official guardians) will enjoy the highlights of the National Convention, during which the award will be presented. The National Exchange Club will give a convention package, including airfare and hotel to the honoree and his/her two chaperons.

The objective of your A.C.E Award project is to give public recognition to young people for their accomplishments. You can give them a little more recognition with a publicity campaign aimed at the local media. The best way to accomplish this is by sending news releases to area television, radio stations, newspapers and student publications.

The news release should cover who was selected as the monthly A.C.E. Award winner, some of his/her achievements and where and when the event is going to take place. The release should also contain a brief paragraph explaining the A.C.E. Award program. Highlighting the human interest angle in the release is important.

Note: Candidate must be able to accept the award in person at the scheduled event at the National Convention in order to win. Call National Headquarters or visit our website for the current year’s dates & times, 800-XCHANGE (924-2643), ext. 123, and verify with candidate before submitting entry form to National. This requirement also applies to the National Youth of the Year Award.