L to R: Candidates for 42nd District State Representative Kristina Daley Roegner and Mike Moran with 27th District State Senate Candidates Frank Comunale and Frank LaRose (photo courtesy Hudson Hub-Times, 10/6/10)
Hudson Named One of the Nation's 100 Best Communities for Young People Source: Sheryl Sheatzley, HCSD Director of Communications (9/21/10)
The efforts of Hudson civic and community leaders were honored today when America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children, announced the city had been named a winner of the Alliance’s 100 Best Communities for Young People competition presented by ING, a global financial services company.
The 100 Best designation recognizes those communities that make youth a priority by implementing programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce.
“Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Hudson is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, America’s Promise Alliance president and CEO. “Hudson serves as an example to inspire and educate other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children, and to implement initiatives that give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life.”
Hudson was named one of the nation’s 100 Best because of the city’s community approach to help youth lead healthier and more productive lives. For more than 10 years the Hudson community has focused on the wellness of its young people through Hudson Community First, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing leadership and self-esteem building opportunities, deterring youth from using drugs and alcohol and reducing the dropout rate.
Other programs such as Youth Sports and Activity Council have been created to foster youth/adult relationships and ensure parent volunteers understand their impact on a child’s life.
The city has reduced its drop-out rate and credits Hudson High School’s service learning courses as one of the most significant solutions. The school’s service learning track pairs Social Studies and English with community volunteerism. Hudson High School students gave over 12,000 volunteer service hours with local and community agencies in last year.
In addition, Hudson Middle School also earns volunteer service learning hours through various projects with community agencies. Each school participates in Hudson Community First’s Take a Second Make a Difference and Ready, Set, Relax programs.
Local surveys show that Hudson youth are increasingly optimistic about their future, an indicator that the community’s young people are on the right track.
Hudson and other winners spanning 37 states were recognized at a ceremony in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Community First Co-Executive Directors Laura Gasbarro and Cheryl Rauch, Superintendent Steve Farnsworth, City Manager Tony Bales and Mayor Bill Currin were presented the award for Hudson. Hudson will receive two road signs identifying the city as one of 100 Best, as well as a trophy to be presented to local officials later this year.
According to Gasbarro, “the schools, city government, local merchants and parents intentionally play an active role in making Hudson a great place to raise youth.”
The 100 Best, first held in 2005, honors communities large and small, rural and urban, that are making progress to help young people achieve their potential, which includes earning a high school diploma, securing good jobs, and playing an active and productive role in America’s economic vitality.
America’s Promise Alliance was founded by General Colin Powell. The Alliance is founded on the belief that young people succeed through five promises – caring adults, safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others.
The City of Hudson, Hudson Chamber of Commerce, and HEDC have established a partnership to welcome new businesses to town. Look for these fantastic signs around town in 2010.
