<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">September 21, 2010<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">
<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">Washington<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">, D.C. – <span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">Today, U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, and Representative Ed Perlmutter commended the city of Aurora for being honored by America’s Promise Alliance as one of the top 100 communities for children.
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<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">America<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">’s Promise Alliance was started in 1997 by General Colin Powell to end the high school dropout crisis and ensure more children have access to what the group calls the “five promises” – caring adults, safe places, healthy starts, effective educations, and the opportunity to help others. The 100 Best Communities for Young People competition recognizes communities that make ending the dropout crisis and supporting youth a community-wide priority.
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<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">“I want to congratulate the city of Aurora for being recognized for its work as a community that cares for and nurtures its young people,” Senator Udall said. “As a long-time supporter of education programs that give all students the skills they need to realize their full potential, I know Aurora deserves our praise. It’s a model for ways we can work together in our communities to help our young people succeed.”
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<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">“This honor is a testament to Aurora’s residents and their dedication to their kids and their community,” Senator Bennet said. “Helping our young people graduate high school ready to excel in college and the 21st century economy is the best action we can take to promote our country’s future prosperity and economic success. Aurora has set itself apart and has become a model for communities in Colorado and across the country.”
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<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">“I am proud the hard-working people of Aurora are being recognized for the way they support their children. This award is also a feather in the cap of the teachers and administrators who work in Aurora’s schools. Creating a healthy environment for young people is the foundation for a bright future. I look forward to continuing to work with the city of Aurora to provide educational and economic opportunities for our children,” Representative Perlmutter said.
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<span 12pt;="12pt;" font-family:="font-family:" times="times" new="New" roman="roman" ,=",">The official announcement was made at the 100 Best Communities for Young People awards ceremony on the National Mall by America’s Promise Alliance Board Chair Alma Powell, Alliance President and CEO Marguerite Kondracke, and ING Foundation President Rhonda Mims.
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