Do you know any outstanding young men or young women? Phoenix is seeking applications from exceptional high school students for the 23rd Annual Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year Awards.

Students must be in grades nine through 12 and live in the city of Phoenix. The program evaluates students on their leadership ability, community involvement and commitment to excellence. Applicants must write a personal statement describing their involvement in the Phoenix community, commitment to excellence and their future goals. Students also must identify a teacher who has made a positive impact on their education.

An exceptional young man and young woman will be selected to represent each of the eight City Council districts. All 16 district finalists will be recognized at a luncheon in the spring and receive a $250 cash reward and a plaque commemorating their achievements.

Of the 16 finalists, one overall young man and woman will be awarded the honor of Phoenix Young Man/Young Woman of the Year and will each receive an additional $2,000 and two roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines.

Previous winners have been involved in activities such as the science club, speech team, choir, theater, community food drives, National Honor Society and student council. To view the 2008 winners, visit phoenix.gov/education.

The Outstanding Young Man and Young Woman of the Year Awards are sponsored by the city of Phoenix Mayor and Council, Youth and Education Commission, Phoenix Rotary Club 100, Soroptimist International, Southwest Airlines, Arizona Public Service and know99 Television.

Applications may be submitted online at phoenix.gov/education/outintro.html by Nov. 19.