Sylacauga is one of the best for 5 years in a row

SYLACAUGA, Al.
For the fifth year in a row, Sylacauga was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance.
Community leaders and members of Sylacauga’s Promise Committee gathered in the council chambers at City Hall Wednesday to watch the announcement live via a webcast from Washington, D.C.
“Winning it for the fifth time is impressive,” said Mayor Sam Wright. “I am so proud of Sylacauga’s Promise Committee.”
Communities, counties and school districts are recognized for their commitment to young people through educational and support services throughout the nation annually. Sylacauga’s emphasis on service resulted in local high school students completing 34,000 volunteer hours this year.
“It’s a community effort not just one person,” said Wright. “It’s a community effort of the city, Cheaha Mental Health, the Sylacauga School Board, the church community, it’s everybody. We have so many individuals that help. When you’re doing something to help kids you’re doing what needs to be done.”
Wright said when he travels throughout the state, people often ask him about SAFE. He said they’ve heard about SAFE and they know what SAFE does for the community. Wright said he was proud.
“We are proud of Sylacauga for being named one of the America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best,” said Margaret Morton, executive director for SAFE. “This award recognizes the hard work of many community members that have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people.”
Vice President Joe Biden spoke via the webcast, saying the honorees are an extraordinary group that represents the very best of the country.
“It’s fitting considering the leaders of America’s Promise are also the very best this country has to offer,” he said.
America's Promise Alliance was founded by former U.S. Secretary of State and retired Gen. Colin Powell. Sylacauga was one of the 22 honorees chosen for fifth time while 22 earned the honor for the first time.
“Sylacauga is all about 2012,” said Wright.
The announcement of the top 100 in years past was made during a national celebration in Washington, D.C. This year, however, instead of funding the national celebration, a grant of $2,500 will be given to every community named one of the 100 Best. The money can be used to help fund a local program or service, within certain parameters, or be used for a local event to celebrate the win.
 Sylacauga has chosen to take their money and host a celebration Saturday, April 28, 2012, at Legion Stadium at the high school. The event will be a concert with food vendors and activities for children.
Plans for the event include raising money to help with tornado relief efforts and to also create a rapid response should Sylacauga ever face a disaster. The goal is for 15,000 to 20,000 people to attend the event, which has plans to become an annual event.
In Alabama, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa County also received designation of America’s 100 Best Communities.