Westchester County Executive George Latimer commended students from across Westchester County for their hard work and dedication during the school year with a ceremony at Playland Park. The “Do Well, Play Well” Program, which is spearheaded by the Westchester County Youth Bureau, recognizes students who have attained high academic performance, excellent attendance or initiated significant improvements in their school community during the 2018- 2019 academic year. Youth who met the program’s criteria were presented with a free season pass to Playland, and a certificate acknowledging their academic performance.
The program has doubled in size, attracting over 300 youth who have met the following criteria:
· Academic Performance: Confirmation of a Final G.P.A. of at least 3.5 or higher.
· Excellent Attendance: A letter from the student’s principal or guidance counselor indicating that the applicant improved attendance from the beginning to the end of the school year.
· Overcoming Significant Barriers: A recommendation from the student’s principal or guidance counselor indicating a unique circumstance where a student made significant improvements in their academics or behavior in school or community.
Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said: “The Do Well-Play Well” initiative confirms that small gestures, such as the offering of a free season pass to Playland, may have greater impact on youth morale and agency. By encouraging young people to perform well academically and socially, Westchester County will benefit from the future generation of motivated and scholastically sound leaders.”
Youth Board Member Hannah Tolz, who is graduating and heading to Cornell University, coined the program last year, “Do Well, Play Well.” Tolz said: “‘Do Well, Play Well’ is an inspiring initiative that rewards students for their dedication to education. Hard working students are vital for the future, and I am honored to live in a County that rewards students in an effort to promote the positive development of youth in Westchester.”
The free season pass to Playland includes free admission to the park and unlimited rides. To find out more about the Westchester County Youth Bureau, head to http://youth.westchestergov.com/youth-bureau/
