Submitted by Riverside County Workforce Development Board
On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Riverside County Workforce Development Board will recognize 10 outstanding young individuals at the 2025 Jamil Dada Character Excellence Youth Awards at March Field Air Museum. This annual event honors Riverside County youth who have demonstrated exceptional character while overcoming life’s most significant challenges.
Awardees will receive $2,500 in educational scholarships, a trophy, legislative certificates, and recognition at the ceremony. Despite facing difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances, these young leaders have shown determination in earning a high school diploma or pursuing higher education. A panel of evaluators selected the honorees based on their embodiment of at least two of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
This year’s ceremony will feature keynote speaker Kenjon Barner, a three-time Super Bowl champion who has played for multiple NFL teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A standout college athlete, Barner earned All-American honors at the University of Oregon. Originally from Riverside, he attended Notre Dame High School, where he played football for the Notre Dame Titans under head coach Patrick Thompson.
The event will be hosted by Leticia Juarez, a reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News, serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Named in honor of Jamil Dada, a dedicated youth advocate at the local, state, and federal levels, the Jamil Dada Character Excellence Youth Awards Program celebrates young individuals who demonstrate resilience and strong character. Mr. Dada currently serves as Chair of the Riverside County Workforce Development Board, is a longtime member of the California Workforce Development Board, and is a former Chair of the National Association of Workforce Boards.
The annual event and accompanying scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from local businesses, community partners, nonprofit organizations, and net proceeds from ticket sales. According to Mr. Dada, “This is an amazing and important program that supports youth, particularly those who are disconnected, helping them achieve their educational goals and dreams.”
For more information or to donate to the program, please contact Riverside County Works, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with the Riverside County Workforce Development Board, at RiversideCountyWorks@rivco.org. To purchase tickets for the event, visit 2025JDYouthAwards.Eventbrite.com..
