The St. John Bosco Award is a diocesan award given to adult leaders (21 years and older and cleared for service in the diocese) who have been involved in youth ministry for five or more years and have been positive role models in one of several categories. Nominees may be volunteer or salaried, lay or religious. 

John Bosco was born in 1815. He was an Italian priest, an educator and writer, who dedicated his life to the education and service of young people. He employed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment. A follower of the spirituality and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales, John Bosco dedicated his works to St. Francis when he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco. His good works continue today and those familiar with his life and ministry will celebrate the 200 anniversary of his birth next year. St. John Bosco was canonized by Pope Pius XI (11th) on Easter Sunday 1934. He was given the title, “Father and Teacher of Youth.” Today he is known as the patron saint of those who work with young people.