Valley Independent Sentinel

Derby Honors Teens For Community Service

by Melvin Mason | Jun 23, 2009 11:00 pm

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Posted to: Derby

They helped organize inventory in city firehouses, led the morning pledge of allegiance at their schools and raised clothing and food for needy families.

For their efforts, more than 20 children Tuesday received a well-earned pat on the back from the city’s chief executive.

Mayor Anthony Staffieri and the city’s new bureau of youth services recognized the youngsters as part of the Mayor’s Youth Award ceremony.

Tuesday’s ceremony is the first of what Youth Services Director John Saccu hopes will be an annual event to recognize youngsters under 18 years old for doing good in their community, whether in groups or on their own.

Teachers, fellow students, community group leaders and agency or volunteer organization leaders offered recommendations for the winners.

“You don’t have to win a Nobel Peace Prize to make major changes,” Saccu said. “Small things help the community.”

One by one, the children came to the front of the aldermanic chambers Tuesday to receive a proclamation and to pose for a picture with a grinning Staffieri. Parents and siblings of the winners took pictures and cheered the kids’ efforts.

“It seems you always hear when kids do something bad. But our children do good things as well,” Staffieri said. “I’m truly in awe of you and the things you’ve done for others.”

Mike Tracz Jr., 14, an eighth grader at St. Mary & St. Michael School, grinned as he was recognized for being a “go-to guy” when help is needed. He’s fixed broken televisions in school, taken inventory at two Derby Fire Department houses and helping with his Eagle Scout troop.

Tracz said he’s always liked helping out, but had never been formally given anything for it. He’s glad to be recognized and thinks it may spur other kids to contributing where they can.

“It’s a great idea. I’m happy they came up with this,” Tracz said. “I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Elaina Tuzzo, 12, a sixth grader at Irving School, received certificates for being involved in after school programs like UNICEF and “buddy reading” to first graders.

She is also one of 15 Irving School Student Council members honored for various volunteer efforts, such as making gifts for residents of the Birmingham Health Center and collecting food for the Spooner House in Shelton.

“I think you should (help people). It’s good to help,” she said. “I get a good feeling when someone’s life is changing.”

Classmate and fellow student council member Alysha Villacis, 11, was equally happy to hold her proclamation, thanking the Irving staff and the council’s advisors.

“I feel proud of this achievement. It’s a great honor,” she said.

Recipients:
Vincent Signore, Bradley School, fourth grade
Elaina Tuzzo, Irving School, sixth grade
Michael Tracz, St. Mary & St. Michael School, eighth grade
Robert Holt, Derby Middle School, eighth grade
Tyler Dobek, Derby Middle School, seventh grade
Colby McLiverty, Assumption School
Kaitlyn Casso, Derby High School, senior
Matthew Poppa, Derby High School, senior

ALSO: Fifteen members of the Irving School Student Council

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