News Details - O.U.R.S. Teen & ‘Tween Leadership Council Recognized as Distinguished Youth

Participants in a Dryden youth leadership program serving those living in local mobile home parks are recognized as this month’s Tompkins County Distinguished Youth. The O.U.R.S (Opportunity Understanding Respect Success) Teen and ‘Tween Leadership Council works with Cornell University volunteer mentors (Y.O.U.R.S. – Youth Outreach Undergraduates Reshaping Success) to build life skills, a Dryden Youth Services program affiliated with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. The council members are specifically recognized for the Hanshaw Village Community Build Project which, through a grant-funded joint effort involving the park landlord, parents and guardians, and tenants, improved green space behind tenants’ mailboxes into a safe and beautiful play and gathering area. Over four weekends, the youth-led project constructed and installed two picnic tables, benches, a shelter, a homemade tire swing, and a geo-dome climber. The letter of nomination from program manager Julie Neumann notes the project “has built relationships across diversity, developed skills, and beautified their home.” The Distinguished Youth Award is cosponsored by A&B Awards and Engraving, Bangs Ambulance Service, Purity Ice Cream, and Cayuga Radio Group.

10-05-2010