POST FALLS - They prevented a fire disaster and made their community a better place with improvements. They raised funds for charities.

And they sacrificed recess to give their classmates and teachers a helping hand.

A total of 213 kids - 15 individuals and 198 in groups - ages 5 to 18 were recognized as nominees for the 10th annual Mayor's Youth Awards program at Q'emiln Park on Thursday night.

Post Falls High student Nautis Dominguez, who received a Mayors' Medal from Mayor Clay Larkin during the event, took action when he noticed a fire in a school restroom in March.

After telling a teacher, who didn't believe him about the fire, Dominguez pulled a fire alarm and found an extinguisher to fight the flames until firefighters arrived. His quick thinking prevented the fire from spreading and ensured the safe evacuation of more than 1,600 students and staff.

"Nautis' actions were heroic," said police Chief Scot Haug. "The situation could have been much worse."

Dominguez said his adrenaline just took over during the incident.

"I think anyone should've done what I did," he said.

Sydney Perry, who won the 8- to 10-year-old individual category, collected more than 1,500 items for the OASIS women's shelter for domestic violence victims and their children. She also assisted with the veterans' mural at the City Hall plaza.

"It's a whole bunch of fun to donate," said Perry, a Girl Scout. "I like helping people and I also get to learn a lot of new things."

Other winners included:

INDIVIDUALS

* James Erickson, ages 5-7, offers assistance to his classmates on the playground, gives a special needs child guidance;

* Emily Danforth, ages 12-14, wrote a grant to raise funds for an anti-tobacco event, which she helped design;

* Tristin Mareci, ages 15-18, helped upholster chairs at the senior center that were damaged

* Kids Helping Kids, Frederick Post Kindercenter, ages 5-7, raised more than 2,000 pounds of food;

* Go Green Girls, Seltice Elementary, ages 8-11, created a school recycling program that included making posters and bins;

* Post Falls Middle School Leadership Class, ages 12-14, collected 765 coats for kids, held a lunch and assembly to honor veterans, made Christmas cards for troops and read with elementary students; and

* Project Bicycle Learning and Maintenance, New Vision High, ages 15-18, spent 16 Saturdays repairing, recycling, inspecting and delivering bikes at no charge to homeless folks so they can get to work or appointments.

Haug praised the parents and relatives of all the award nominees for being a positive influence on the kids' lives during a difficult time to raise children.

All of the nominees received a medal. Winners also received a plaque.

"This is our opportunity to say thank you," Larkin said.

More than 3,000 Post Falls youth have been recognized since the program began.