PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Kenney recognized 12 Philadelphia volunteers and national service members during the 6th annual Mayor’s Day of Service Recognition Award Ceremony. As part of a national effort led by the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, Cities of Service and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Philadelphia Mayor’s Day of Service Recognition joins mayors and county officials in over 4,000 cities and towns to highlight the value of national service.  The Mayor’s Day of Service Recognition Awards are organized and led by the city’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services.

“When our citizens are encouraged to serve others, our city, country, and world become a better place.  I’m proud of these individuals for the exceptional work they have done to advance our city. I’d also like to thank the Office of Community Engagement and Volunteer Service for continually connecting our citizens with opportunities to give back,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.

Volunteers were nominated by family, friends, and peers in four award categories: The Mayor’s Award for Distinguished National Service, the Mayor’s Award for Distinguished National Service Alumni, the Mayor’s Philly Hero Award, and the Mayor’s Youth Hero Award.

“We are excited to recognize 12 individuals during this year’s ceremony,” said Stephanie Reid, Chief Service Officer for the City of Philadelphia. “Our award winners embody the diversity of ways that Philadelphians give back to their communities and what it means to have a lifelong dedication to service.”

The City of Philadelphia congratulates the winners of these awards.

The Mayor’s Award for Distinguished National Service recognizes individuals currently serving in AmeriCorps or Senior Corps programs. This award was presented to:

  • Anthony Smith: Anthony is currently serving a second term as YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School’s Community Projects Coordinator.
  • Myrtle Ellison: Myrtle is an AmeriCorps volunteer tutor at Cayuga Promise Academy and uses everyday games to help children learn.
  • Avere Scurry: Avere is committed to helping students in her community achieve educational success through the College Possible program.

The Mayor’s Award for Distinguished National Service Alumni is awarded to alumni of national service programs who have continued to lead a life of service. This award was presented to:

  • Emily Garcia: Emily began her service with Jumpstart Philadelphia as an AmeriCorps team leader and is now a Senior Site Manager for the program.
  • Jay MacFadgen: Since joining the National Civilian Community Corps in 2009, Jay has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the DREAM program.
  • Tiffany Searles: Tiffany, a City Year alumna, is now the Director of Programs at New Foundations Charter School.

The Mayor’s Philly Hero Award recognizes Philadelphians who have made an impact in their communities. This award was presented to:

  • Ivy Staten-Minor: Ivy served with the Philadelphia Police Department and founded a nonprofit to enhance the educational experience of Philadelphia youth.
  • Chase Lamar Smith: Chase started a nonprofit called No Dreams Deferred that focuses on youth development and educational enrichment.
  • Loretta Washington: Loretta has been giving back to the Logan community through the Bringing Everybody Together program at Logan School since 1994.

New to the awards this year is the Mayor’s Youth Hero Award, honoring youth who have made an impact in their communities through service. This award was presented by School District of Philadelphia superintendent Dr. William Hite and presented to:

  • Carid Maranan: Carid volunteers with the Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia and went to Harrisburg to advocate for fair immigration policies.
  • Marquan Coleman: Marquan volunteers to support early childhood education and participated in the Lancaster Avenue cleanup campaign.
  • Aniyah Ayres: Aniyah started a nonprofit at just 8 years old to collect winter coats and holiday gifts for those in need.

Additionally, the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service (OCEVS) announced the launch of a campaign to connect summer service projects to youth volunteers.  As part of the City’s continued commitment to encouraging and promoting volunteerism, the ‘Summer of Service’ Campaign will be held from June to August and promote continued engagement throughout the summer. OCEVS will share opportunities hosted by Philadelphia organizations committed to engaging youth as young as 10 years old, using the hashtag #SummerOfService.

“I am inspired by the generosity of the young Philadelphians we are honoring this year,” said Reid. “We are living in a time where young people know they must get involved in creating the change they wish to see in their own communities. Whether that is collecting items for children in need, serving meals to the hungry, advocating for socially just laws, or standing together in solidarity, young people are stepping forward and answering the call. My office is committed to helping these highly-engaged youths find opportunities that are accessible and meaningful.”

OCEVS will launch the #SummerOfService volunteer portal mid-June at serve.phila.gov. OCEVS is always working to add more volunteer opportunities to their portal. Nonprofit organizations with opportunities for youth can email jeanette.bavwidinsi@phila.gov to be included.

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