By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The City of Somerville was recently recognized as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance for the fourth consecutive year. Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi held the second annual Celebrate Somerville at the Somerville High School gymnasium this past Saturday, February 25, to recognize the city’s commitment to the education and betterment of its youth.

Many parents, students and community groups attended the event to recognize the collaborative efforts that have thus far paid off for Somerville, flexing the muscle of the city’s youth support system. Local government and school system officials, as well as representatives of community-focused organizations, spoke on stage about engaging the youth through effective initiatives.

Mayor Curtatone recognized members of the public sector, groups such as Teen Empowerment, and the community at-large as paramount in the effort to improve the lives of Somerville residents, especially youths.

“We need your help, we want you to get engaged,” he explained to the cheering crowd. “We are putting every effort we have into our education system to build on all of our successes.” The Mayor went on to express his gratitude toward the city’s parents and teachers for their continued commitment to the younger generation.

Groups ranging from the local Kiwanis Club and the Tufts Educational Day Care Center to the Kesher Center for Jewish Learning and Culture were represented at booths in the entrance, while organizations like the Somerville Boxing Club and other youth sporting programs provided a stage for indoor soccer, batting practice and more in the main gymnasium.

As expressed by the speakers and others in attendance, collaboration was key in attaining such a high stature among the nation’s communities, as Somerville’s elaborate web of advocacy groups, community-building organizations, public officials and residents worked together to build an effective system of advancing the lives of local adolescents.

Additionally, all agreed that they were excited to work just as hard throughout 2012 and beyond to earn the title as one of the “100 Best Communities for Young People” in the United States again in 2013.