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Pitt County Among Nation's 100 Best Communities For Young People

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Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Preferred Realty

Pitt County officials say they have known for sometime how special the community is, now others have noticed. January 24, 2008, we were honored as one of the nation's 100 best communities for young people. America's Promise Alliance and Capital One, founded by Colin Powell, selected us from more than 300 applicants. Pitt was one of two North Carolina communities to receive this honor along with Charlotte-Mecklenberg. "While we don't have everything we need, the youth is a high priority for us, and we have people who really work well together to maximize the resources to help young people," says Alice Keene, special projects coordinator with Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation.

Wanda Yuhas, executive director of the Pitt County Development Commission, said the designation could benefit Pitt by attracting businesses or helping those in the county lure employees. Yuhas believes that a community that is a good place for young people is a good place for all people.

All applicants are eligible to apply for $300,000 in grants from America's Promise Alliance next month. The alliance works with corporations, nonprofit service organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy organizations and faith groups to ensure its "Five Promises" are kept for America's young people. The promises include caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others.

"The prosperity of every community and this country depends on how well we care for our children and youth," said Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of America's Promise Alliance. "Although no place is perfect, when we have communities that make young people a priority and are working to make sure they stay in school and have all the resources necessary to lead healthy, productive lives, we must recognize them and by extension inspire other cities and towns to follow their lead."

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