Bucks County residents have until Thursday, Oct. 1, to nominate a neighbor, colleague or young person for the Network of Victim Assistance's annual Upstander Awards.

The ceremony is set for Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown. Joe Wingert, publisher of the Bucks County Herald and River Towns Magazine, will emcee, Doylestown Patch reported.

NOVA, founded in 1974 and based in Perkasie, is Bucks County's first and only rape crisis center, according to the organization's website. The Upstander Awards recognize people who act when they witness bullying, abuse or injustice. NOVA describes the program as part of its broader violence prevention and community education work.

Six categories are open for nominations. The Adult Upstander of the Year honors someone age 18 or older who consistently speaks up and takes action to support others in need. The Youth Upstander of the Year recognizes a young person age 18 or under who makes a positive difference in their school, peer group or community. The remaining four are the School Spirit Upstander Award, Workplace Upstander Award, Group Upstander Award and First Responder Upstander Award. The first responder category covers law enforcement, fire, EMS and medical personnel who show extraordinary compassion in their service.

"By recognizing these everyday heroes, we hope to inspire others to step forward and support those around them," said Alyssa Davis, NOVA's primary prevention coordinator for pre-K, elementary and middle school.

Erika Flayer, who received the 2025 Adult Upstander Award, said she hopes this year's program encourages more residents to speak out, support their neighbors and stand alongside those in need.

Girls Empowered and QNB Bank are sponsoring the awards.

Nominations can be submitted at novabucks.org/nominate-an-upstander.

Coming up in the community:

  • Thursday, Oct. 1 — Upstander Awards nomination deadline. Submit at novabucks.org/nominate-an-upstander.
  • Thursday, Nov. 5 — Upstander Awards ceremony, Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Doylestown.