9^th Annual Mayor's Youth Summit

The ninth annual Mayor’s Youth Summit was held April 19, 2003 at the Boston Latin School. As participants entered the Summit they headed in to the Dining Hall for breakfast and to visit the 75 Resource Tables filled with After-school and Summer Program opportunities.

Over 1500 young people and youth workers from Boston filled the auditorium for a fun day of performances and information sessions. Davina Frye sang the National Anthem, followed by a special rendition of the National Anthem by the Boston Police Activities League Karate Team. Mathew Borders, a Mayor’s Youth Council representative from Dorchester and MC of the Summit, started off the day with an inspiring rendition of this year’s theme song “I Can,” by Nas.

Mayor Thomas Menino then presented this year’s positive image awards to teens nominated by friends and teachers for their achievements in school, the arts, and overcoming life obstacles. Sister Jeanne Gribaudo, Mellon’s Diane Randall and Verizon’s Mary Rafferty introduced the Positive Image recipients: Yaraldanis Sanchez, Jonathan Santiago, Taphath Giles, Termaine DeShaun Yarborough, Shari Davis, and Dwight Marshall.

New England Patriots’ star Richard Seymour made a guest appearance, and spoke about his experiences growing up, and urged the kids to stay in school and follow their dreams.

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Council performed a series of vignettes on teen consumer rights and handed out copies of the tips guide they helped to develop “Money Talk$”. In honor of Earth Day there was a talk show that highlighted Boston environmental programs, internships and volunteer programs to celebrate what teens are doing and how others can get involved.

Talented performers danced, sang, and stepped throughout the day, providing the event with great entertainment, and perhaps a preview glance at some future stars.

Youth Opportunity Boston performed a skit, “I Know I Can” urging the youth to keep the Summer of 2003 safe, fun and nonviolent. Mayor’s Youth Council Dorchester representative, Stephanie Alves, delivered an emotional and inspiring speech on the ways she has strove to make a difference in her community. Boston Police Youth Services Officer Chris Rogers led a skit designed to show youth how to avoid negative confrontations with police, and provided tips that will improve teen/police communication.

All of the speakers, skits, dancers, and singers were OUTSTANDING! Continue to BE THE DIFFERENCE!

Special thanks to our host Boston Latin School and the Summit sponsors: Verizon, FleetBoston, BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts, Mellon Charitable Giving Program / Eugene F. Fay Trust, Police Activities League, and the City of Boston. Also thanks to the contributors, city department partners and all of the teen participants.