For helping to make a positive change in the lives of young people in Gloucester, on Cape Ann and the North Shore, the Gloucester Youth Leadership Council was commended for its work at the start of a recent City Council meeting.
The council had already unanimously voted to commend the youth leadership council for its efforts, and on the evening of April 22 it took the time to honor them individually with one of the city’s highest awards. It was a packed house among families and well-wishers in Kyrouz Auditorium upstairs in City Hall.
“The Gloucester Youth Leadership Council creates positive change in our community,” said Councilor at-Large Jeff Worthley, whose idea it was to honor the middle and high school youth leaders, “by encouraging youth to reach their full potential and connecting them to opportunities and resources. The Gloucester Youth Leadership Council raises awareness about important community issues which impact healthy youth development including mental health, substance use, and social justice while providing a safe space for every student.”
Regional Prevention Director Chelsea Goldstein-Walsh and Youth Development Coordinator David Tucker represented the Gloucester Youth Leadership Council before city councilors. State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and School Committee Vice Chair Bill Melvin also attended the commendation ceremony.
“I would just like to join Councilor Worthley,” said Ward 1 Councilor Scott Memhard, “and the rest of us in thanking Chelsea and Dave and all of you. It’s an important program; you’re important making contributions to the community and acting as leaders and there is nothing better than that for a
community like Gloucester, so thank you so much.”
“To be a peer leader is just an invaluable thing for your group,” said Council President and at-Large Councilor Tony Gross, noting today’s world is far more complicated than it was when he was younger. “It really does require a lot of help and you guys are there in the trenches, doing it, and you really need to be commended.”
“I am honored to welcome you today and to say a few words
about a truly inspiring group,” Tucker told the councilors.
“GYLC is a substance use prevention group made up of students from grade 6 to 12 who are dedicated to promoting positivity and becoming leaders in their community,” he said. “These leaders have made a powerful impact not only in Gloucester but in surrounding communities as well for creating over 10 public service announcement videos, one of which placed second
nationally; to volunteering for the city and launching campaigns focused on making our community safer and healthier for young people – their work speaks for itself.”
Tucker thanked the youth leaders on hand for their dedication and hard work, saying this was what made the day possible.
He recognized the group’s facilitators who work for the Gloucester Department of Public Health: Goldstein-Walsh, Regional Prevention Coordinator Lacey Natti and himself; and the support of the City Council and Mayor Greg Verga.
“Congratulations to the leaders of GYLC,” Tucker said. “You are truly making a difference.”
“It’s important to understand that you folks are the leaders of tomorrow in this community,” Verga said. “But you are also leading right now which is really important.”
Tarr noted how we live in a world that far too often emphasizes conflict, chaos and confrontation.
“And what we see here tonight are young people who have committed themselves to a much different future, a much different path, and who are willing to do what it takes to go down that path not only for themselves but for all of us,” Tarr said.
Tarr offered citations to the young leaders from the state Senate and the state House of Representatives from state Rep. Ann Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester. Verga read out a citation from the city and Worthley read out a commendation from the City Council.
The students were then called up individually to receive their commendations and shake hands with officials, and then took part in a group photo on the stage of the Kyrouz Auditorium.
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at
eforman@northofboston.com.
