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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- White Plains politicians, school administrators, and community leaders gathered together at Hamilton Avenue Wednesday afternoon to watch the city be named one of America's 100 best communities for young people by America's Promise Alliance, an organization founded by Gen. Colin Powell to promote initiatives that support higher graduation rates.
White Plains competed against 300 communities who applied for the award and received a $2,500 grant, along with 99 other winners.
According to the America's Promise Alliance website, White Plains stood out for its active parent teacher associations, robust Youth Bureau and programs, such as Step Up, which focuses on assisting young at-risk African American and Hispanic men, and the Westchester Jewish Community Service's Project Trust, which works with those who have witnessed domestic abuse.
Mayor Thomas Roach said it was validating to be recognized for White Plains High School's 85.7 percent graduation rate.
"Its tough to quantify the type of work we do and thats why Im so thankful to this organization for giving out these awards," said Roach. "When you watch the kids that we are graduating set out into the world every year -- coming from this diversity --with this great education that they have received, it makes you very proud to be a member of this city."
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