Awards were presented to the Youth of the Year, nominees and a number of Fall River youth groups on March 15, 2012, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, an annual call to action for adults to write letters of love and support to America’s children. The event took place at the Eagle Performing Arts Center on North Main Street and hosted over 100 students, parents and supporters. Following remarks by City Council president Linda M. Pereira, Dollars for Scholars founder Irving Fradkin and Durfee High School principal Paul Marshall, awards were presented to both students and youth-serving organizations including TADA (Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol), Peaceful Coalition, Making Proud Choices and the Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club. Mayor William Flanagan opened the sealed award selection envelope and revealed that Olivia Marques was selected as the 2012 Youth of the Year, among nominees Charlotte Correiro, Peter Le, and Brogan Murphy. Click here for a video. For more information about the awards and groups, contact Healthy Youth co-chairs Christian McCloskey at 508-324-2419, or Jamison Souza at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, center) Paul Bertoncini and David Santsaver watch as Molly Ashton serves some of the dishes prepared by the B.M.C. Durfee Culinary Arts program. (Top row, right) Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey goes over the program with 2009 Youth of the Year winner Jasiel Correia II. (Row two) Fall River City Council president Linda M. Pereira praises the group of nominees along with Youth CHOICES co-chairs Jamison Souza and Christian McCloskey. (Row three) Dollars for Scholars founder Irving Fradkin, Mayor William Flanagan, and B.M.C. Durfee High School principal Paul Marshall all praise the accomplishments of the youth for making the City a better place to live. (Bottom row) Nominees Peter Le, Brogan Murphy, Olivia Marques, and Shela Correiro pose for a group photo before Youth of the Year winner Olivia Marques is congratulated by Mayor Flanagan and her father.