By Andrew Firestone

Somerville’s youth received another accolade last Saturday at Somerville High School when the America’s Promise Alliance dropped by to present them with a spot in America’s 100 Best Communities for Youth.  Members of the SHS musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Facotry were on hand, as well as Mayor Joseph Curatone, School Committee chair Adam Sweeting, Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi and U.S. Representative Michael Capuano.

“When I grew up here, a measure of success was how fast you could move out,” said Capuano. “Those days are behind us.”

The turnout was huge, as several talented Somerville acts took the stage, including Teen Empowerment, the Sunsetters, and a knock-out tap performance by Tyson Clark.

“If you just look around this room, you can’t help but feel pride for the community,” said Mayor Curtatone, “I’m not surprised we’re recognized for it.”

“We look across the country to see those models, those places where people, they understand how to address the needs of their young people, and the young people are given a chance to speak out and participate too,” said Jonathan Zaff of the Alliance.

Zaff took a moment to specifically speak to Somerville’s young population, who attended in droves to play some pick-up soccer, or launch some rockets.  “Without you Somerville will not continue to prosper. I implore you all to speak up for what you need, to fight for what you deserve, and to ensure you too experience those things in life that you need and more importantly to ensure that you give back.”

Curtatone pointed to the role of a supportive community in Somerville’s success. “I’ve spent a lot of time in my young adult life, and now my old adult life, working and coaching and mentoring kids. That’s our direct responsibility, to watch out for the next generation, help them make good decisions,” he said. “That’s what motivates me and I think that’s what motivates out whole city.”

Representative Capuano reminded the audience to not rest on its laurels, despite having won its third title from a pool of 350 strong candidates. “It’s something we have to work at all year long, and when we’re done working at it, the next year we’ll have to work harder,” he said.

(Photos by Andrew Firestone)