Rome City Schools is proud to announce a new program to honor our most outstanding young alumni from Rome High School. The Rome City Schools 20 Under 40 Award has been established to celebrate members of the Rome City Schools family for their extraordinary accomplishments, significant professional achievements, and distinguished service to others.

This prestigious award recognizes alumni who have made a substantial impact in their industry, field, or community while embodying the core values of Rome City Schools.

Nominee Criteria

To be considered for this elite group, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be a proud graduate of Rome High School.

• Be under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2025.

• Have graduated from Rome High School at least five years ago (Class of 2021 or earlier).

• Be willing to submit a professional photo, if selected, for publication on Rome City Schools' website, in official publications, and on social media.

• Demonstrate exceptional achievement in one or more of the following areas:

  • Significant impact in business, research, arts, leadership, community service, education, or philanthropy.

  • Notable civic involvement, leadership, or public recognition.

  • Recognition as an intellectual leader or influential representative within a specific field or industry.

The Nomination and Selection Process

This is a nomination-based process, and we welcome self-nominations. The selection committee will carefully review all nominations to identify candidates who exemplify the values of Rome City Schools. We encourage you to include as much detailed information as possible on the nomination form.

Finalists who meet the criteria will be invited to submit an application for further consideration.

Key Dates

• October 1, 2025: Nominations open

• November 15, 2025: Nominations close. Finalists will be contacted and invited to apply soon after.

• December 19, 2025: Applications due

• Late January 2026: The inaugural 20 Under 40 Class of 2025 is announced

• Late March or Early April 2026: Honorees will be celebrated at the inaugural 20 Under 40 Awards Luncheon in Rome.

Coming Soon: Rome High School Alumni Over 40

While this first award focuses on our younger alumni, Rome City Schools is excited to announce that we will launch an additional program in 2026 to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our alumni over the age of 40.

What is the Rome City Schools 20 Under 40 Award?

This award recognizes 20 Rome High School alumni under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, significant civic involvement, and distinguished service to others. It celebrates individuals who are making a substantial impact in their fields and communities.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Nominees must be a Rome High School graduate, be under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2025, and have graduated from Rome High School at least five years ago (Class of 2021 or earlier).

Can I nominate myself?

Yes, self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

What is the deadline for nominations?

Nominations for the inaugural class of 2025 will close on November 15, 2025.

What happens after I submit a nomination?

Once nominations close, the selection committee will review all submissions. Finalists who meet the criteria will be contacted and invited to submit a more detailed application.

How are the 20 honorees selected?

The selection committee reviews both the nomination forms and the subsequent applications to evaluate candidates based on their professional achievements, civic involvement, and how they embody the values of Rome City Schools. The committee selects the final 20 honorees.

When will the Class of 2025 be announced?

The honorees for the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025 will be officially announced in late January 2026.

Will there be an event to honor the recipients?

Yes, honorees will be celebrated at the 20 Under 40 Awards Luncheon, scheduled for late March or early April 2026 in Rome.

What if I'm a Rome High School graduate over the age of 40?

Rome City Schools is excited to announce that a new program to honor alumni over the age of 40 will be launched in 2026. Please stay tuned for more information.