Rock Hill named one of nation's best communities for youth
Posted October 12th, 2011 by The Herald
Rock Hill has been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, according to America's Promise Alliance and ING. The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth.
As a four-time 100 Best winner, Rock Hill has shown its continued dedication to supporting its young people through a variety of programs that offer cultural, educational and service opportunities.
The Commission for Children and Youth implemented an awareness campaign called “The #1 Question: Is It Good for the Children?” to encourage the community to make youth wellness a priority.
Additionally, Rock Hill supports the development of healthy eating habits through Rock Hill School District Foundation's Back the Pack program which identifies and provides food to undernourished students, solely funded by private donations from community members. The Rock Hill community is committed to ensuring all students graduate high school with its Dropout Prevention Committee, a group of local leaders including the Mayor and representatives from the school district, community and social service agencies. Since the Committee’s formation in 2008, the dropout rate has continued to decrease in Rock Hill.
“We are proud of Rock Hill for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for the fourth time,” said Mayor Doug Echols. “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people.”
“In a nation where 7,000 students drop out of high school every day, we hope Rock Hill’s initiatives inspire other communities across the nation to take action to solve the challenges facing their young people,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Rock Hill is especially deserving of this recognition due to their efforts to ensure that their young people graduate high school and go on to lead healthy, productive lives. Rock Hill refuses to let the challenges they face determine the future for their young people. Instead, they are helping their youth prosper and become contributing members of society.”
Rock Hill will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America’s Promise Alliance’s community development resources.
This year, more than 300 communities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were nominated for the 100 Best distinction. Winners were chosen by a distinguished panel of 20 judges.
A list of all 2011 winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100best.
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