NEW ALBANY —
For the second year in a row, Floyd County was recognized nationally as one of America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by the America’s Promise Alliance on Wednesday.
As the only community in the state honored, Floyd County was recognized for fitting in with the five promises of the America’s Promise Alliance — caring adults, a healthy start, safe places, effective education and opportunities to help others. Winning communities receive a $2,500 grant to be used for a celebration event or to help fund a local program.
Barbara Bridgwater, community youth champion with Youth Count, said the collaboration of government, public and private groups all contribute to making Floyd County a great place for children to grow up.
“We see a lot of that here and it just says so much positive about our community,” Bridgwater said. “It’s not all about ownership, it’s about how we provide better services.”
The viewing of the winners announcement was at the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp.’s Education Support Center. Bridgwater said the quality of education offered by the district played a role in winning the award, but other organizations coming together enrich the experience of students.
She said groups such as the Blue Sky Foundation, Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County and the city have also made contributions.
New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan said it also goes beyond organizations, but the influence individuals can have on the development of a child.
“I think it’s important that people realize how imperative it is that the parents, families and even the neighbors get involved in raising good and smart kids,” Gahan said. “I think they made a commitment to this because a lot of families work very hard to make sure they’re doing the best they can to raise good, smart, honest kids. The shining star of the whole thing is the NA-FC school system with all the heavy lifting they do.”
Jill Recchio, a junior at Floyd Central High School, submitted her testimony about why she thought the community deserved to win the award. She said the support she’s received from adults her whole life made her feel like Floyd County gave good opportunities to children.
“I feel like there are so many supportive adults out here that focus on what the youth do,” Recchio said. “They could just focus on a sports team, but they make an effort to see the work that kids do.”
MeriBeth Adams-Wolf, executive director of Our Place Drug and Alcohol Education Services, said she thinks the community has worked hard, but hopes it continues to improve.
“Today is a celebration and we should take time to do that,” Adams-Wolf said. “But we can always do better. Our challenge is to remember we have a lot of kids in this community that may not have the same assets as others and we need to work to propel them just as far as those who do have those assets.”
Bridgwater said with all the students in the audience for the viewing, she hoped they understood how much of an asset they are to their community.
“Those kids are so important,” Bridgwater said. “I think they’re starting to see that they have a little power, they see they’ve got some influence. They’re starting to put together plans for their own lives and I think they’re starting to realize how important it is to have a community behind them.”
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Attendees of Floyd County’s announcement for America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People awards celebrate as the county is named as one of the winners. America’s Promise Alliance, the national group that gives the awards, recognized Floyd County for its commitment to providing youth opportunities for involvement in school and the community. Staff photo by Jerod Clapp
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September 13, 2012
The best around: Floyd County recognized as one of 100 Best Communities for youth
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David Keller stands with his granddaughter Ashley Keller in front of his home in Floyds Knobs on Tuesday afternoon. Keller was the recipient of a double lung transplant in 2007 and this month marks the anniversary of his surgery.
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