The Rockwood School District does whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential. The Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition is committed to building and sustaining communities of knowledgeable citizens who make healthy and safe choices. Together, we offer the Neighborhood of Excellence Award to recognize communities that plan and implement worthwhile community projects based on adult and youth collaboration.

According to a recent survey, many of our adolescents experience significant degrees of disconnectedness to the places in which they live. We want area youth to feel valued and motivated to be good citizens. We also know that building relationships among adults and youth helps reduce rates of substance abuse. By encouraging adults and youth to work together on meaningful projects that will result in benefits to the community, as well as benefits to those involved, we hope to create a win-win scenario. Youth benefit from adult role models; adults benefit from a better understanding and appreciation of youth; and home values increase as your neighborhood announces to the larger community that youth have a stake in living there.

Many neighborhoods already conduct Earth Day clean-ups, Easter Egg Hunts, 4th of July parades, back-to-school pool parties, neighborhood garage sales, Halloween bonfires, Red Ribbon Week activities, and other community service projects. But how many have included youth in the planning, promotion and implementation process? Collaboration can mean so much in terms of youth realizing their potential and communities experiencing success with safe, healthy activities.

Join us, today, by committing to make a difference in your community. Become a “Neighborhood of Excellence” Award recipient. Follow these two (2) steps:

Step #1: Plan and Implement

• Form your adult-youth team.
• Plan one or two significant events or projects that will benefit your neighborhood or community.
• Hold the event or complete the project, and take lots of photos and notes!

Step #2: Apply

• Tell us about projects and events!  Provide details about who was involved and when activities occurred. Include photos along with your application form.
• Submit your application to us online or via mail.

Award Winners:

All nominations will be reviewed by an Awards Committee comprised of Rockwood School District and Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition members. Neighborhoods that have met criteria of actively engaging youth and providing a service or benefit to the community will be honored at a year-end Awards Ceremony and will receive signage that can be displayed prominently in the neighborhood.