"For me this question is often the most difficult to answer. I have received awards in the past and I truly believe that these awards were not given to me as an individual, but to the traits and characteristics I reflect. In other words, in my mind the plaques and certificates I have received do not read 'Andrew Brown,' they read 'Leadership,' 'Innovation,' or 'Compassion' – the qualities I try to represent. These are what truly need to be celebrated and echoed throughout our communities.

As a leader in the community, I strive to exalt the qualities and initiatives I represent, rather than my own personal self interests. If given the honor of representing my city, I would do so with a humble sense of gratitude and use it as an opportunity to encourage others to contribute to the community and adopt the qualities that I and the other candidates stand for. I envision such traits as the catalyst for progressive thought and hope that, as an award recipient, I may be an inspiration to others."

- Excerpt from Andrew’s 'Young Citizen of the Year' portfolio