Last Friday, nearly 300 of our Youth Service volunteers gathered at Pace University to celebrate another school year spent improving their community. These students represented public high schools from all over the city, and it was a great day to celebrate the 15,867 collective hours of work they completed between October and May. The work these students completed is as varied as the neighborhoods they represent: from leading anti-bullying activities in community centers, to taking a biological survey of the East River, to constructing 3D murals for a school for the blind, their enthusiasm and dedication is amazing!

Chancellor of New York City Department of Education Dennis Walcott started off the day by walking through the audience and asking students about their favorite volunteer projects from the year. Students then dispersed into various workshops that focused on issue education or leadership skills. We are deeply grateful to Chancellor Walcott and all our workshop leaders for giving their time to recognize and support the young volunteers who will continue serving our city for years to come.

Youth Service Director Michael Wise noted “Teenagers in New York City often get a bad rap and all of you here today prove that teenagers are doing great things every day to build a stronger city”. We’d like to give a virtual round of applause to all our Youth Service volunteers and everyone who has supported them this year!

By Allison Sterrett