The National Civic League announced the ten winners of the 2016 All-America City Award, an honor given each year to towns, cities, counties, tribes, neighborhoods and metropolitan regions who demonstrate outstanding civic accomplishments. The Award recognizes the use of collaborative problem-solving strategies that link private, public and nonprofit sectors. This year, the program highlighted community efforts to ensure that all children are healthy and successful in school and life. Fall River was one of ten cities who received the award based on its efforts at positive youth development, improved school attendance, and the formation of a City-wide Parent Academy. Mayor Jasiel Correia II announced the award on June 28, 2016 at a Government Center news event. Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey, 24-year-old pharmacist Dr. Lillian Phuong, Fall River School teacher Jason Springer, YouthBuild staff member and Family Service Association Therapeutic Mentor Christian Berrios, and Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard represented the City at the Denver, CO competition on June 19th. All but Picard grew up in Fall River and benefited from the resources that have been available to youth. Click here for a 16-minute video of the presentation in Denver. Click here for a seven-minute video of the press event. For more information, contact Fall River Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey at 508-982-4297. (Top four row photos courtesy of the National Civic League)

(Top row) Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey, 24-year-old pharmacist Lillian Fong, Fall River School teacher Jason Springer, YouthBuild staff member Christian Berrios, and Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard make their case to the jury during their ten-minute presentation. (Row two) Jason and Lillian talk about what the City gave to them as they were "Raised by the River." (Rows three and four) The group responds to the announcement that Fall River was one of ten winning communities and would walk home with an award. (Row five, left) Mayor Jasiel Correia II holds a press conference to announce the Award on June 28th. (Row five, center) Parent Academy staff member Jessica Rodrigues and Barbara Allard join United Neighbors of Fall River Executive Director Wendy Garf-Lipp in congratulating the Mayor. (Row five, right) City Grant Writer Jane Dibiasio and Barbara Allard talk with Marcia Picard following the news event. (Bottom row, left) Jason Springer talks with Christian Berrios as Herald News Reporter Marc Monroe Dion talks with Christian McCloskey after the event. (Bottom row, center and right) Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard holds up one of the tee-shirts that the group wore at the event in Denver.