Awards were presented to the Youth of the Year and a number of Fall River youth groups on March 19, 2009, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, an annual call to action for adults to write letters of love and support to America’s children. Jasiel Correia II was named Youth of the Year by Mayor Correia. Jasiel has been involved with the B.O.L.D. (Building Our Lives Drug Free) Coalition since he was 13, and is the chairman of TADA (Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol), a sister organization of B.O.L.D. He is also involved with the city's Healthy Youth Task Force. Jasiel was chosen from among a group of eight finalists, each of whom was nominated by an adult for the honor. The other criteria consisted of an essay on how each student felt they had made a difference in their community. Team FRESH, Peaceful Coalition, TADA, Making Proud Choices and YouthBuild Leaders were also recognized for their contributions to making Fall River a better place as well. These groups have not only volunteered in numerous community service projects, but have been instrumental in working together to promote and address youth issues.  Beginning with the CommUNITY Service Project during the Martin Luther King Day weekend, they have united their efforts with the goal of not only providing a stronger youth voice but also more youth engagement. For more information about the awards and groups, contact Healthy Youth co-chairs Christian McCloskey at 508-324-2419, or Jamison Souza at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, left) Last year's Youth of the Year award winner Tony Almeida introduces this year's winner, Jasiel Correia II, as Mayor Correia looks on. (Middle row, left) with Ronnie Chhot of the Peaceful Coalition looking on, Healthy Youth Task Force co-chair Jamison Souza discusses some of the accomplishments of the YOUth VOICE (Volunteer Organizations to Initiate Community Engagement). (Middle row, center) Healthy Youth Task Force co-chair Christian McCloskey introduces the groups who are receiving awards. (Middle row, right) Sarah Jeffries of Making Proud choices highlights the work of TADA. (Bottom row, left) Jasiel Correa of TADA recognizes Team F.R.E.S.H. as Nick Farias and Belinda Teixeira look on. (Bottom row, center) Brian Velozo of YouthBuild acknowledges the contributions of Sarah Jeffries, Jazmin Mendes and Jessica Pereira of Making Proud Choices. (Bottom row, right) Jessica Garcia of Team F.R.E.S.H. highlights the Peaceful Coalition.