The City of Lewiston learned yesterday that Youth Service America has announced that the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) made the "Top 6" in this year's "organization category" for a national 2006 Harris Wofford Award. LYAC, which was recently touted by the Department of Education's Maine Citizenship Education Task Force as a model for youth civic engagement, was one of hundreds of nominations submitted for the award's three categories.

Founded in 1986, Youth Service America is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally. Youth Service America's annual Wofford awards are sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation and were established in 2002 to honor former Pennsylvania Senator Harris Wofford who is acclaimed as one of the nation's greatest public servants. The awards recognize extraordinary achievements in three categories: a youth, an organization, and media for actively contributing towards making service and service-learning the common expectation and common experience of every young person in America. Harris is also the former Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National & Community Service.

"Although LYAC was not the 'organization category' winner, its placement as a 'top 6' semi-finalist demonstrates the fact that their civic contributions are gaining well-deserved national recognition," noted Assistant City Administrator Phil Nadeau. He adds, "Here in Lewiston and within the State of Maine, we know what the youth council is capable of, and we're extremely proud to know that nationally the group is being touted for its positive impact within our community. They are truly 'setting the pace' for youth involvement within municipal government."

The organization category in which LYAC placed top 6 focused on local, state, and national nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations with a demonstrated record of activity and impact devoted to youth service, youth voice, service-learning, or civic engagement.

Maine Senator Margaret "Peggy" Rotundo, who had expressed support for LYAC's nomination, noted, "The LYAC is simply a tremendous force for good in Lewiston, and its members serve as wonderful role models for young people throughout the State. I cannot state my enthusiasm for the LYAC, its mission, and its accomplishments strongly enough. They have been a real boon to the City of Lewiston."

FOR MORE INFO on any Press Releases contact:
Dot Perham-Whittier - Community Relations Coordinator
Lewiston City Hall
784-2951 - Extension 110
dottie@ci.lewiston.me.us