On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Bridge to Success will host a Community Forum and Recognition of the “100 Best Young People of Waterbury.” This event is in honor of the Brass City’s distinction as one of 2011’s “100 Best Communities for Young People,” an annual declaration of America’s Promise Alliance, presented by ING. Dolton James, PhD, Chair of the Bridge to Success Community Council notes that “this distinction is bestowed on the Waterbury community due to Bridge to Success partners’ commitment to providing the developmental resources Waterbury’s young people need to succeed in school, work and life.” America’s Promise Alliance named Waterbury one of its 100 Best for a second time because of the dedication by Bridge to Success partners who confront issues in the community head on and work to improve the quality of life for young people and their families through an ambitious Birth to 21 Plan.
Honorable Neil O’Leary, Mayor of the City of Waterbury said “I am looking forward to the February 21, 2012 community celebration of both Waterbury’s being named one of America’s “100 Best Communities for Young People,” and 100 of our youth being recognized by the Bridge to Success Partnership as one of Waterbury’s “100 Best Young People.” We all know that our youth are our future. Opportunities like these to honor children and youth are not only welcome, but also very important to helping to build and encourage strong community leaders for tomorrow.”
“I am so pleased to help celebrate the accomplishments of these youth (Waterbury’s 100 Best Young People.) This program was designed to honor students who have demonstrated a commitment to learning, social competence, positive values, constructive use of time, a positive identity and caring for others. They are serving as excellent role models for their peers, and I am certain they will continue to grow toward healthy, caring, responsible adults who will succeed in life.
“As a community, we are entrusted with providing our youth with a vast array of authentic learning experiences that will prepare them for a new and different future as well as the broad set of skills and values they will need to succeed. It is clear to me from programs such as this that Waterbury is a place that is dedicated to ensuring the success of all of its children. Together, we can teach our children to “follow their dreams” and to understand that their only limitations are the ones they impose on themselves, and these 100 Best Young People are wonderful examples of the types of youth we have here in Waterbury.” said Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Superintendent of Schools.
The Waterbury Bridge to Success Community Forum and Recognition of the “100 Best Young People of Waterbury” is an event to celebrate the city’s efforts and all the positive results reflected in our youth. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 21012 at the Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street in Waterbury. The program will run from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, during which time light refreshments will be served. The event and parking are free; contact: info@waterburybts.org or 203-754-0040. Walk-ins are also welcome.