McDonald's USA Recognizes Excellence Amongst Teen Leaders with Second Annual Community Choice Youth Award

Two recipients will be honored during the 12th annual McDonald's 365Black Awards ceremony in New Orleans on July 3

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Apr 21, 2015, 03:37 ET

OAK BROOK, Ill., April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Business men and women aren't the only ones who can impact the community. For the second consecutive year, McDonald's USA is calling on communities nationwide to nominate this year's 365Black Community Choice Youth Award recipients. Now through May 31, consumers can visit http://www.365Black.com to nominate a teen who has exemplified exceptional leadership in their communities. One male and one female recipient will each receive a $10,000 scholarship and will be honored alongside celebrities, philanthropists and influencers at the 12^th annual McDonald's 365Black Awards, slated to take place in New Orleans during the 21st annual ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®.

McDonald's USA calls on communities nationwide to nominate this year's 365Black Community Choice Youth Award recipients. Now through May 31, consumers can visit www.365Black.com to nominate a teen who has exemplified exceptional leadership in their communities. One male and one female recipient will each receive a $10,000 scholarship and will be honored alongside celebrities, philanthropists and influencers at the 12th annual McDonald's 365Black Awards in New Orleans.

Open to young people between the ages 13-18, the McDonald's 365Black Community Choice Youth Award honors teens who make a difference within their communities through vision, compassion and diligence. In addition to completing the entry form, nominators must also answer three questions about the nominee, as well as submit a three-minute video highlighting his or her contribution to the community. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. CT on May 31, 2015.

"At McDonald's, we are committed to uplifting our youth and recognizing their achievements. We take great pride in working with neighborhoods across the country to find young, shining stars in our communities," said William Rhodes, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "We applaud the achievements of future leaders and are honored to give them a platform of recognition."

Last year's winners were Gabrielle Jordan Williams and Skyler Grey, both 15 years old. Williams is a professional motivational speaker, owner of Jewelz of Jordan and is a #1 best-selling author. Grey, an urban artist and philanthropist, discovered art as therapy after losing his mother at an early age. He makes it a point to donate his work to various art programs across the nation and gives 10 percent of each of his sales to charities.

The Community Choice Youth Award aligns with the goals of McDonald's 365Black Awards, which salutes outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community.

McDonald's 365Black Awards launched in 2003 as an extension of the company's 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. To learn more about the Community Choice Youth Award, please visit http://www.365Black.com and follow @365Black on Twitter, using the hashtag #365BlackAwards.

ABOUT MCDONALD'S USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to approximately 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit http://www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @365Black and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit http://www.365Black.com.

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SOURCE McDonald's USA