The Youth of the Year Award, established by the Healthy Youth Task Force, is designed to recognize and encourage the contributions and excellence in the young people of Fall River who have built their character and competence through the fulfillment of the five Promises of the America’s Promise Alliance. Youth were judged on personal achievement, leadership abilities, extracurricular activities, healthy living, effective learning opportunities, and community involvement. Fall River's new "Pride City Wide" slogan exemplifies that Fall River now has a “can do” attitude and its recent designation as one of the 100 Best Cities for Youth demonstrates its commitment to young people. Citizens are proud of their residency and Fall River is proud of them. Mayor Robert Correia and the leaders of the Healthy Youth Task Force acknowledged those achievements by awarding a $500 Youth of the Year Award to five outstanding youth on March 19, 2008. The young people were recognized for their personal accomplishments in the in 2007 in the areas of personal achievement, leadership abilities, extracurricular activities, healthy living, effective learning opportunities and community involvement. The honor was made in advance of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day in which adults are asked to write a letter to a youth in their life and to tell them how important they are. Click here for a link to the Herald News article about the event. For more information about the Youth of the Year Award, contact Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey at 508-324-2419.
 

(Top row) With cameras rolling, Mayor Correia meets with Youth of the Year award winner Tony Almeida and members of his family in his office at Government Center. (Middle row, left, center and right) The Mayor introduces himself to first runner-up Jorge Cabrera and then presents Tatiyana Smith with her award. (Middle row, center) Mayor Correia introduces himself to the other finalists, Tatiyana Smith, Juliette Miller, and Jenna Fernandes. (Bottom row) The mayor shakes hands with second runner-up Juliette Miller before posing with Tony who displays the plaque bearing his name that will be hung at the Veterans Memorial on Bank Street.