Community and Public Service Awards

Mayor Sean Reardon is happy to announce that the City will once again hold the annual Public and Community Service Awards program in order to recognize some of the city's most dedicated, selfless and generous residents and public servants. The awards ceremony will take place at the conclusion of the State of the City address on February 26^th.

The City held the first awards program in 2023, and plans for the awards to take place annually at the State of the City address. The first two years of the awards saw many deserving nominees and winners, and the City looks forward to honoring more community members this year.  Mayor Reardon has added the Reverend Helen Murgida Award this year to honor the memory of Reverend Helen who tragically died on her way to the event last year. 

Here are the five award categories:

1. Public Service Award: Intended to honor a city employee, board/commission member or elected official who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to serving the citizens of Newburyport. The award seeks to honor an individual who has gone above and beyond, made a profound difference in improving public services, fostered a more democratic society and served as a champion for equity.
2. Individual Community Service Award: All Newburyport residents are eligible. This award is given to an individual whose volunteer efforts have touched the lives of others and brightened the city. The award seeks to recognize individuals for the longevity of their work, the impact it has had on the city, and the additional giving it has inspired in others. This award could go to those who have worked on issues of housing and food insecurity; those who have served as mentors, coaches, or leaders for youth sports or activities; those who have organized important volunteer initiatives; and much more.
3. Business Service Award: Recognizing local businesses that have supported community events, groups or activities. Newburyport is extremely fortunate to have a number of engaged and supportive businesses, and this gives the city a chance to honor their generosity and commitment.
4. Youth Community Service Award: Intended to recognize the positive contributions of a young (under 18) member of the community who has altruistically pursued efforts to improve the world.

5. The Reverend Helen Murgida Award: Reverend Helen Murgida, a devoted advocate, minister, and champion for justice and inclusion. This new annual award, celebrates individuals who exemplify Reverend Helen’s unwavering commitment to serving others and making our community a better place. Recipients of this award demonstrate a selfless dedication to advocating for the underserved, building bridges between diverse groups, and fostering a spirit of love, justice, and unity within Newburyport. Much like Reverend Helen, they embody the belief that service to others is not only a responsibility but a profound privilege. Through their actions, awardees remind us to approach challenges with humility, to listen with compassion, and to act with courage—values Reverend Helen lived by every day. This award stands as a tribute to her extraordinary life and an inspiration for all of us to continue her mission of making Newburyport a place of inclusion, hope, and boundless potential.

Mayor Reardon is actively seeking nominations from residents, city employees, and any other Newburyport community members for those who best fit the values of the awards. The recipients will be chosen by a selection committee formed by the Mayor's Office.

To nominate an individual, business, or youth community service award candidate, please submit this application form no later than February 7^th at 5 p.m.

Nomination forms can also be printed (pdf document below), filled out by hand and returned to the Mayor’s Office at City Hall, 60 Pleasant Street, or emailed to cjackson@newburyportma.gov.