CITY EMPLOYEE

Our award winner has spent years dedicated to help young people reach their true potential, working hard to create environments and programs in which young people can thrive.

Through programs, initiatives and one-on-one mentorship, our winner has sought to prevent youth from falling into – or becoming victims of – crime or violence.

Our award winner was instrumental in the development of the After the Bell  middle school program at Lake Taylor and Lafayette-Winona, giving leadership to the development of one of the very few after school programs focusing on the needs and interests of this student population.

Said one nominator, “it has now been more than a decade that I have known him through our work together on the Youth Partnership of South Hampton Roads, promoting positive youth development.

Our winner continually seeks to bring in new organizations to strengthen and enlarge the network of people who care for youth. He created a newsletter as a tool to share best practices and insights, particularly with a focus of combating gang activity.

Said his nominator, Just this past week, he shared a quote from Frederick Douglass – “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” It is a perfect reflection of the way our award winner has worked to build a positive and healthy environment for young people in our city.

It gives me great pleasure to announce the 2008 City Employee Award Winner, Senior Recreation Supervisor Clifton Russell.