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Calvert County Named One of America's 100 Best Communities for Young People
County Receives National Honor for Second Year in a Row
Calvert County has been named one of the country's 100 Best Communities for Young People for 2011 by America's Promise Alliance following its first-time selection for the award in 2010. The 100 Best Communities award celebrates America’s young people and the communities most dedicated to helping local youth graduate from high school. The competition honors cities, counties and towns working to decrease high school dropout rates and create brighter futures for young people.
America's Promise Alliance lauded Calvert County for its commitment to education and collaboration among the agencies, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations that provide services to children and youth. The organization also recognized the county's high graduation rate, the provision of family services through the Calvert County Family Network and the school system's service learning component.
A wide variety of Calvert County citizens were involved in the award application as part of the Interagency Council for Children and Youth, with the Calvert Collaborative for Children & Youth (CCCY) serving as the lead organization. The application process comprised four months of research, drafting and coordination.
In 2011 more than 300 communities in all 50 states and Washington, DC, were nominated for the 100 Best competition. The winners come from 39 states.
The award includes two signs designating the county as one of the 100 best places for children and young people. To learn more about the award, visit the America's Promise Alliance Web site. Visit online for an America’s Promise Alliance profile of Calvert County along with award details from Calvert Collaborative for Children and Youth.
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Marie Andrews, left, of the Calvert Collaborative for Children & Youth accepts the 2011 100 Best Communities award from Jordan LaPier, Senior Director of America’s Promise Alliance.
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Highlights of the county's 2011 application include:
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Calvert County offers a stable, safe, and clean environment in which to raise children.
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The county’s superior public school system includes all four high schools that are ranked in the top 1,000 nationally by the Washington Post.
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Ethnic/minority students graduate at a rate as high, or higher, than non-minority students.
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Half of the annual county budget is dedicated to children’s welfare and education.
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Community groups, adults, volunteers, county and state agencies and charitable organizations are deeply involved to foster youth activities and programs.
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New facilities such as the Hall Aquatic Center and a privately run indoor team sports facility help foster youth health and recreation.
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