Suffolk Launches Distinguished Youth Program

Photo/Office of Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory
At Blydenburgh Park, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory announces the Legislature’s new Distinguished Youth Award program with Legislators Leslie Kennedy and Monica Martinez and some program registrants.

Suffolk Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, along with co-sponsor Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport), launched last Thursday the Distinguished Youth Award program, a means to promotes and recognizes achievement, initiative and service in Suffolk youth.

The program is open to county residents ages 13-18. Registrants will work with local officials over the course of a year to lay out plans and goals that touch on volunteerism, personal development, exploration of Suffolk and physical fitness.

Gregory announced the program at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, alongside youngsters who have already registered for the program. Also joining him were legislators Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) and Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset).

Gregory said, “Our young people are our future. This program is one way to build a foundation on which these young adults can continue to develop a connection to their communities, to understand their needs, and to explore solutions.”

Modeled on the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, Suffolk’s program challenges participants to take part in two or more program categories: volunteer service, personal development, exploration of county parks, and physical fitness. Medals will be awarded based on the number of categories in which participants engage as part of their individual challenge.

Spencer said Suffolk “is lucky to be the home to so many wonderful young people who have distinguished themselves in many ways. It will be a great honor to recognize them individually.”

Registration forms are

available online at Legis.suffolkcountyny.gov/DYA.html. They can also be mailed to: Suffolk County Legislature Distinguished Youth Award, Office of the Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature, P.O. Box 6100 – Bldg. 20, Hauppauge, New York 11788-0099.