2ND ANNUAL “CELEBRATE SOMERVILLE!” EVENT PLANNED FOR 2/25

SOMERVILLE - Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi announced that the City of Somerville will host the second annual "Celebrate Somerville!" event on Saturday, February 25^th from 1-3 p.m. to honor the City's commitment to its youth, as well as to celebrate the City's designation, for the fourth consecutive year, as one of the nation's "100 Best Communities for Young People" by the America's Promise Alliance.  The event will include live youth performances and exhibitions by some of the City's top youth-serving agencies and organizations, as well as raffle prizes, refreshments, and games and activities for youth of all ages.  It will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Somerville High School gymnasium, 81 Highland Avenue.

"We are extremely honored to have received the 100 Best... Award for the fourth consecutive year and, more importantly, to have received recognition of our commitment to and successful collaboration with local businesses and organizations to create a community that fosters learning, achievement, and opportunities for our young people to succeed," said Mayor Curtatone.  "In January 2011 we organized an event to celebrate that commitment along with all of our community partners, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.  With a variety of showcases from talented youth performers, unique physical activity options and informational programming for adults, we are very much looking forward to continuing the new tradition with an improved event this year."

"Earning the distinction of being named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in the United States for the fourth straight year is a testament to the collective commitment we all have to the youth in our wonderful city," said Superintendent Pierantozzi.  "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate this achievement with an event that honors every member of our community who plays a role in making Somerville a great place to live, work, learn in our public schools, and raise a family.  Working collaboratively with our community partners, we will continue to focus on helping students maximize their potential through the five promises set forth by the America's Promise Alliance."

 The celebration will include indoor games and activities, including soccer, Zumba, hip hop demonstrations, activities for preschool-aged children, Wii Dancing, a community fair including more than 50 local youth-serving agencies and organizations, and performances by local youth.

Refreshments will be served.  Youth attendees will also be invited to share their vision for the future of the City of Somerville by helping event organizers recognize the five promises set forth by the Alliance:

• Caring adults  such as parents, teachers, mentors, coaches and neighbors

• Safe places  that offer constructive activities when young people are not in school

• A healthy start  and healthy development

• An effective education  that prepares young people for college and work

• Opportunities to help others through service.

For more information on the 100 Best... event or award, please visit the Somerville Public Schools website at www.somerville.k12.ma.us, or the City of Somerville website at www.somervillema.gov.