Youth Prize 2024 awarded by the city of Hof
Under the motto "Youth active for Hof", voluntary work by and with young people has been publicly honored for the 40th time.
Mayor Eva Döhla presented the certificates in person. "We want to continue to motivate young people to take on responsibility, get involved and actively help shape our community. Their commitment is a strong sign of a vibrant and hopeful future," says Eva Döhla.
1st place
First place in the Hof Youth Prize is associated with a non-cash prize worth 800 euros and is awarded to the youth choir of the Gemischter Chor Hof-Moschendorf 1906 e. V.. The youth choir in the Hof-Moschendorf mixed choir has been doing valuable work with children and young people for 50 years. In order to better cater to the interests of children and young people, a separate youth choir was founded in 1990.
From 1977 to 2024, the choir was led by Fritz Walther, whose many years of dedicated work played a key role in shaping the musical and communal development of the choir. In 2024, he handed over the leadership to Carolin Hübner. There was also a change in the youth leadership. Marie Starke and Maria Dietz took over for Hiltrud Plietsch. The youth choir is a place where children and young people between the ages of 10 and 27 come together to sing and experience the joy of music and community. The choir focuses not only on musical education, but also on promoting responsibility and co-determination within the group. Singers take on roles in youth leadership, on the youth council or in areas such as public relations and technology. Through these active participation processes, the young people not only learn a lot about music, but also about teamwork and leadership skills. The program also includes excursions, participation in events and various projects.
The jury also found this long-standing commitment to children and young people extremely remarkable and would like to support further work in the area of children and young people with the non-cash prize.
2nd place
The second place of the Youth Prize of the City of Hof is associated with a non-cash prize worth 600 euros and is awarded to the VCP Tribe Heinrich von Plauen Hof.
The VCP Tribe Heinrich von Plauen Hof is characterized by its outstanding and diverse youth work. The tribe looks after three different age groups with great commitment and heart.
Each of these groups meets regularly once a week, which provides the participants with a stable and reliable structure. These meetings not only promote creativity, but also the social and personal development of the children and young people through team-oriented projects and shared experiences in nature. A particular highlight of the tribe's work are the numerous weekend activities and camps that are organized throughout the year. The VCP Heinrich von Plauen Hof tribe is a place for personal development where the values of "scouting" - such as solidarity, respect and responsibility - are practiced on a daily basis. Here, young people learn how to get involved in the community, how to take responsibility and how to actively shape their environment. Through this comprehensive and varied youth work, the tribe makes an important contribution to ensuring that young people grow as individuals and are also part of a solidary and responsible community.
The jury praised the multifaceted youth work and would like to support the children and youth work of the VCP Heinrich von Plauen Hof tribe with the prize in kind.
3rd place
The third place of the Youth Prize of the City of Hof is associated with a non-cash prize worth 400 euros and is awarded to the Hof Starlets Che erleaders.
The Hof Starlets Cheerleaders, a department of the PTSV Hof, do remarkable work for children and young people in the region with their commitment to cheerleading. A key feature of cheerleading with the Hof Starlets is the emphasis on team spirit. Cohesion is a top priority here: Children from different backgrounds and in different age groups find their place together. "Because everyone counts" is not only a slogan of the CCVD's current nationwide campaign, but also a principle that is actively practiced in the club. Integration and diversity are core values that are promoted in this sport. Everyone, regardless of their individual abilities, has the chance to become part of the team.
In addition to sporting training, social aspects are not neglected. Regular team days and training camps offer children and young people the opportunity to make new friends and deepen their social contacts.
The jury would like to recognize the work of the Hof Starlets for their commitment and continuous support and encourage further work.
Special prize
This year, a special prize worth 200 euros will be awarded to the Hof Protestant Youth Organization for its "Hof spielt" campaign.
The Protestant Youth Organization of the Hof Deanery regularly organizes the games event under the slogan "Hof spielt". Everyone, from young to old, is invited to devote three days to current and classic board and parlor games. Bringing together different generations and cultures in a playful way contributes to a positive community in the city of Hof and invites people to make new contacts.
The social aspect and the work required to organize and host such an event convinced the jury and they would therefore like to honor the work of the Protestant Youth Office with a special prize.