Courage Awards

The Courage Awards are presented to young people from the Capital Region in middle or high school (grades 6-12), who have demonstrated personal courage by taking positive action against racism, prejudice or bias-related violence in their community.  The awards are endowed by Paul and Suzanne Murray and honor those who:

• Have demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills as spokespersons for tolerance.
• Embody the courage to be bridge builders and peacemakers.
• Have taken action fighting intolerance or have engaged in violence prevention or conflict resolution.
• Have stood up against hate and violence.

To nominate a student, please use our Google form. Nominators must be an educator, counselor, or adult (not a family member) familiar with the nominee’s positive actions. Each candidate must have one letter of recommendation (signed and dated), which must come from the nominator. The letter should include specific examples of how the nominee meets the above criteria and must be submitted using the online form.  Supporting documentation may be included, but is not required. 

Three recipients will be selected. All recipients will receive a commemorative certificate and a $500 award, which will be presented at the annual MLK Lecture at Siena College on March 13, 2024. Recipients should be willing and able to attend this event.

All nominations are due by December 11, 2023. 

Recipients will be notified by January 15, 2024.

The awards honor those who actively promote the ideal of a just and inclusive society that values diversity and the uniqueness of each individual.