LEWISTON – The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council has received national recognition, ranked among the top six in Youth Service America’s “organization” category.

The category included local, state and national nonprofit groups devoted to youth service, youth voice, service-learning or civic engagement.

The 11-member Youth Advisory Council was established in 2002 to give Lewiston youths in grades nine to 12 an opportunity to participate in city government and to help enhance the community.

Its mission is to advise the City Council on issues affecting young people and to serve as a liaison between the youth of the community and the city.

“Although LYAC was not the organization category’ winner, its placement as a top 6′ semifinalist demonstrates the fact that their civic contributions are gaining well-deserved national recognition,” Assistant City Administrator Phil Nadeau said in a prepared statement.

State Sen. Peggy Rotundo, who had expressed support for LYAC’s nomination, called the youth council “a tremendous force for good in Lewiston, and its members serve as wonderful role models for young people throughout the state.”

Founded in 1986, Youth Service America is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people ages 5 to 25 to serve locally, nationally and globally.

Youth Service America’s annual Wofford awards, sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation, were established in 2002 to honor former U.S. Sen. Harris Wofford of Pennsylvania. The awards recognize achievements in three categories: a youth, an organization and media.