For the third year in a row Calvert County has earned the distinction of being named by America’s Promise Alliance one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People.
The official announcement was made during a webcast from the Newseum in Washington, DC Wednesday, Sept. 12.
Cheers and applause greeted the announcement at Prince Frederick Library where the local organization that reapplied for the honor—The Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth (CCCY)—hosted a “watch party” for community leaders and students.
“This isn’t the Collaborative’s award, this is Calvert’s award,” said CCCY President Guffrie Smith, who also pointed out that the award was an indication that the county was on the right track when it came to responding to the needs of children. “We can always do better.”
The America’s Promise Alliance, which receives corporate support from ING, requires applying communities to identify resources that fulfill five promises that result in the development of healthy, successful children—caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others.
Several students addressed the gathering, including Raphael Douglas, an honor student and athlete at Patuxent High School (PHS), who recounted the community’s response when he lost both of his parents at a young age. Douglas and his brother were invited to live in the home of Lusby residents. Additionally, the entire PHS football team and head coach attended Douglas’ mother’s funeral. “I truly got a sense of how great this county was,” said Douglas. “I owe all of my success to the people of Lusby and Patuxent High School.”
Smith said CCCY will make a presentation to the Calvert County Commissioners in October. The organization is preparing to submit an application to America’s Promise for a fourth straight year in the top 100 for 2013.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
