OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is now accepting nominations for two award categories: The Laura Choate Resilience Award and the Moran Kidizenship Awards. The public can submit nominations until September 14 at OICA.org/awards. Winners will be announced at the annual OICA Fall Forum, to be held this year on October 25.

The Laura Choate Resilience Award was created to celebrate individuals who have been significantly impacted by adverse childhood experiences but have overcome those obstacles to make a lasting contribution to the lives of young people, exhibited bravery, and demonstrated dedication to fostering resilience in youth. The 2017 winner was Thomasine Fife, a child counselor for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. For more information on the Laura Choate Resilience Award or to submit a nomination, go to: http://oica.org/awards/laura-choate-resilience-award/.

The Moran Kidizenship Awards recognize young Oklahomans (under 19) whose philanthropic work helps other young men and women. The awards are named after Melvin and Jasmine Moran, generous Oklahoma philanthropists who founded the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole. Five Kidizenship Award finalists receive scholarship prizes, with one overall winner recognized at the Fall Conference. Last year’s winner was A’Layah Robinson, an elementary school student whose “Lemonade for Love” program raised money to provide basic resources for other young children. For more information on the Kidizenship Awards or to submit a nominee, go to: http://oica.org/awards/kidizenship-award/.