Pitt County Government

January 24, 2008

Pitt County Wins 100 Best Communities for Young People Award

Pitt County has been selected by America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance) in partnership with Capital One to be named a winner of its 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition.

Pitt County was selected from over 300 communities that applied from all fifty states. The 100 Best competitions recognize local communities for the outstanding and innovative work they are doing to help young people succeed.

Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of the Alliance said, "The prosperity of every community and this country depends on how well we care for our children and youth."

The America’s Promise Alliance chose Pitt County because of our community’s ability to unite different sectors to work on behalf of its young people. The Alliance felt that Pitt County reflected its Five Promises agenda; caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others.

The award was chosen after a thorough entry was submitted that gave the Alliance detailed information about Pitt County’s community programs and resources for youth and how they reflected upon the Alliance’s Five Promises. The applications were reviewed by a panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders who then chose the 100 Best.

In addition to the Five Promises, other criteria about Pitt County were evaluated.

Inventive ways that Pitt County developed, implemented and promoted programs and the positive effect these initiatives had on young people were also an important factor in the judging process.

One of the many programs highlighted was the Teen Court Program, sponsored by the Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina. This program allows selected seventh through twelfth grade students to be trained to serve as jury members, defense and prosecuting attorneys, bailiffs and clerks of court. Through their service, they exert positive peer pressure on first time juvenile offenders and impose constructive sanctions for the offenses committed.

Kathryn Lennox, executive director for the Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina feels the award will aid the county’s youth in future endeavors.

"I hope that we will utilize this distinction as encouragement to cultivate existing partnerships, engage in new collaborations, and work together as a community to guide our youth to be successful and productive citizens of Pitt County," said Lennox.

This honor will hopefully increase the economy and real estate community for the county.

Kelly Andrews, Associate Director of Pitt County Development Commission, understands the positive results that will come from the 100 Best award.

Andrews stated, "To attract new business and industry we have to consider not only business concerns, but also quality of life concerns for potential residents and their families. This includes the health, well-being and available resources for our youth, and this designation shows that we value the quality of life of our youth."

America’s Promise Alliance was founded in 1997 by General Colin Powell and is the nation’s largest youth-focused alliance of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocates and faith-based groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources (The Five Promises) they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society.

Pitt County was also honored as a Fit Community in 2007.


Mary Beth Pruitt
Intern
Office of Public Information
252.902.2955