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November 2005

Mt. Sterling Recognized at National Celebration

By Tonja May

Advocate Staff Writer

Representatives from Mt. Sterling recently attended a national conference in Washington, D.C., to accept the honor of being chosen one of the nations 100 Best Communities for Young People.

The conference was held Nov. 1-3 and featured such speakers as Gen. Colin Powell, Alma Powell, Tim Russert and many other noted public figures who support Americas Promise.

Americas Promise-Alliance for Youth was founded in 1997 by retired Gen. Colin Powell as a result of the Presidents Summit for Americas Future. At that time all five living presidents, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Ronald Reagan (represented by Nancy Reagan), Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford challenged the country to make children and youths a national priority. The commitment was reaffirmed by President George W. Bush in 2001.

Powell launched the 100 Best campaign in May to identify communities committed to providing healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

Mt. Sterling was chosen from among the nearly 1,200 communities registered in the competition by a distinguished panel of civic, business and nonprofit leaders. A detailed application was submitted that demonstrated the communitys ability to fulfill five promises critical to the wellbeing of young people: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others.

Community Education Director Louise Summers, who attended the national conference, said that Mt. Sterling is years ahead of other communities given the 100 Best award in terms of what is done for youths.

"About 70 percent of what we do for youths was not even included in our application because of space limitations," she added.

"I would like to congratulate Mt. Sterling on being named one of the nations 100 best communities for young people," Americas Promise chairperson Alma Powell said. "Your community was selected because of the innovative approaches you have taken to address the challenges facing children and youth in your area.

Standing Out

"Mt. Sterling serves as a role model by encouraging and inspiring those communities that have not yet found the solutions to their challenges."

In recognizing Mt. Sterling, representatives said "the entire county, which boomed in the past decade with industry and 3,600 new jobs, has maintained the nurturing quality of the quintessential American small town. And, as with many small towns, young people appear to be the communitys pride and joy."

Officials highlighted several areas that made Mt. Sterling stand out as one of the 100 Best, including the fact that residents approved two local taxes that benefit youth recreational programs and a $22 million renovation to Montgomery County High School.

They also cited the establishment of Clay Community Center and its partnership with Morehead State University to provide tuition-free introductory college courses.

Local businesses were also commended for their efforts on behalf of young people. Nestle drew the attention of officials for paying its employees for time spent mentoring a child through the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization. Whitaker Bank was also commended for providing guidance to high school students in the endeavor to operate a full-service bank within the school.

Another reason Mt. Sterling was chosen is the cooperation between the private and public sectors in creating caring environments for youths.

"We were thrilled to learn about the innovative and successful efforts you are making to help your young people succeed," Mike McGill, Americas Promise senior director of media relations, said. "It is our hope that others across the country will learn from your exemplary work in order to improve services for children in their communities.

Mt. Sterling native Jessica Amburgey, Kentucky Child Now Youth Advisory Council chair, was a guest speaker in Frankfort Oct. 25 when local officials, along with four other communities in the commonwealth, received state recognition.

"Being recognized as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People only reinforces what residents of Montgomery County already know, Mt. Sterling is a great place to live. This community is deserving of an award that recognizes its commitment to excellence," Amburgey said.

Summers spearheaded the 100 Best campaign, drawing support from every facet of the community.

"Were very youth oriented compared to a lot of cities that have so many more resources," Summers said. "We raise caring, competent adults, and we better because they represent our future, our stability and our economy.

"Any vision a community has must include its youths because what they turn into is a direct result of the resources we provide for them," she added.