Issues. People. Events.

Waterbury students will be recognized for their efforts to become healthy, caring, responsible individuals at 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, on the main stage of the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St.

The event will be a celebration of the 100 students in pre-K through college as nominated by the community for demonstrating developmental assets and something special to offer the world.

These characteristics include service to others, positive peer influence, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, sense of purpose, and social competence.
In addition to individual awards, attendees will recognize Waterbury as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People, awarded by America’s Promise Alliance.
For the third year, the national award acknowledges Waterbury’s outstanding and innovative work in addressing the high school dropout crisis and for its programs and services that make it an outstanding place for youth to live, learn and grow

Bridge to Success Volunteer Chair Dr. Dolton James said, “Our community is working together and taking real action to address the challenges facing our young people head on.  This award acknowledges our collective commitment to Waterbury’s kids, supporting them and providing the resources they need to succeed.”  Dr. James added, “Waterbury's future growth and success depends on its youth. Working together, we will build bridges to strengthen our community's support for children and families. 

"Being named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best is significant and meaningful to the entire community,” Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary said. “Over the last year we’ve made progress to help young people reach their potential and play a meaningful, productive role in society because no one has more at stake in this community than our kids. So many dedicated people and programs contributed to this win and it further reinforces our belief that a focus on youth pays dividends to the entire community.”

“The 100 Best Communities for Young People award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our youth,” said Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, superintendent of schools.  She continued, “As the Waterbury Public School District moves forward into a period of renewed commitment to excellence in teaching for improved student achievement, I am hopeful that the partnerships developed in the Waterbury community for the benefit of children and youth will continue to contribute significantly to the success of all Waterbury students.”

Waterbury 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.

America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth, bringing together more than 400 national organizations representing nonprofit groups, businesses, communities, educators and policymakers, with an online presence at www.AmericasPromise.org.

Waterbury Bridge to Success is a partnership of more than 130 local public and private organizations, and hundreds of families and volunteers who are passionate about creating opportunities for local youth to succeed in school, life and work.

More information about Bridge to Success and its mission to ensure the city’s youth – from birth to 21 – have access to the quality healthcare, education and support they need to become responsible adults is available online at www.WaterburyBridgetoSuccess.org.
The Palace Theater event is free and open to the public without reservations or tickets.  Anyone who would like to attend can RSVP or find more information by emailing youth@waterburybts.org or calling 203-819-0311.