NOVA Seeking Nominations For Bucks County Upstander Awards

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — NOVA is inviting Bucks County residents to recognize individuals, young people, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated courage, compassion and a commitment to standing up for others by nominating them for the 2026 Upstander Awards.

The annual awards program recognizes community members who take action when they witness bullying, abuse or injustice and whose actions help create a safer, more caring Bucks County. NOVA is seeking nominations through Oct. 1 for individuals, youth, businesses and organizations that have demonstrated courage, kindness and a commitment to helping others.

The 2026 Upstander Awards will be held Nov. 5 at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown. Joe Wingert, publisher of the Bucks County Herald and River Towns Magazine, will serve as the event’s honorary emcee.

More than an awards ceremony, the Upstander Awards are part of NOVA’s ongoing violence prevention and community education efforts. By sharing stories of courage and compassion, the program encourages schools, workplaces and neighborhoods to foster a culture of empathy, accountability and respect while empowering individuals to take action and support others.

“NOVA’s Upstander Awards remind us that change often begins with one person making the decision to act,” said Alyssa Davis, NOVA’s Primary Prevention Coordinator, Pre-K, Elementary, and Middle School. “By recognizing these everyday heroes, we hope to inspire others to step forward and support those around them.”

“Receiving the Upstander Award was a deeply humbling reminder of why we do this work every day - to stand alongside victims, give voice to those in need, and build a safer, more compassionate Bucks County,” said Erika Flayer, recipient of the 2025 Adult Upstander Award. I hope this year’s awards inspire even more community members to speak out, support their neighbors, and make a difference.

The Upstander Awards are supported by Ally Sponsors Girls Empowered and QNB Bank, along with other friends of NOVA who help make this important community recognition program possible. To nominate an Upstander or learn more about the awards, visit NOVA’s Upstander Awards nomination page.

2026 Award Categories

• Adult Upstander of the Year: Honoring an individual (age 18+) who consistently demonstrates the courage to speak up, take action, and support others in need. This award celebrates a Bucks County adult who stands out as a role model — someone whose everyday actions promote safety, kindness, and respect in their home, workplace, or community.
• Youth Upstander of the Year: Recognizing a young person (age 18 or under) who chooses to be a light for others—standing up, speaking out, and making a positive difference in their school, peer group, or community. This Upstander leads with empathy, sets an example for others, and isn’t afraid to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
• School Spirit Upstander Award: Awarded to a student, teacher, staff member, or school volunteer who helps foster a culture of kindness, inclusion, and belonging in their school environment. This person consistently goes above and beyond to encourage school spirit through their actions—supporting others, promoting safety, and creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard.
• Workplace Upstander Award: Presented to a Bucks County business or organization that fosters a workplace culture of respect, inclusion, and community support. This award honors a company that leads by example—empowering employees to speak up, promoting kindness and equity, and taking meaningful action to support staff well-being, customer care, or community engagement. Whether through internal policies or public outreach, this workplace shines as a beacon of what it means to stand up for others.
• Group Upstander Award: Celebrating a club, class, team, or group that works together to create positive change, support others, and stand up for what’s right. Whether through a project, campaign, or shared mission, this group models the power of collaboration and shows that being an Upstander is even stronger when done together.
• First Responder Upstander Award: Recognizing a Bucks County first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS, or medical personnel) who demonstrates extraordinary compassion and leadership in their service to the community. This award honors those who not only respond in moments of crisis but do so with a trauma-informed, community-minded approach that uplifts and protects others.