The "Mayor's Citation of Excellence"  was started in October 2004.

It is a program (originally fostered by Mayor Richard Sardella of Newport, Rhode Island) where members of the public are asked to nominate a middle school or high school student in regards to an action or accomplishment deemed as "extraordinary" or "above and beyond."

The action or accomplishment will have had to occur within the last two months, and the nominated youth must reside in Lewiston.

Former Mayor Lionel Guay asked the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) to partner with him in periodically selecting a student recipient.

Following a selection, the sitting Mayor & LYAC will present the citation to the selected youth during the school day (at the student's home if home schooled).

Nominations should consist of a one-page only description as to why a particular student should receive the citation.