The city of Milford was recently named one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People," with Mayor James Richetelli accepting the award of a giant pushpin he could have used to post the big news on a bulletin board.

"Winning this prestigious award for the fourth time should reinforce for all citizens the city's commitment to our youth," the mayor said. "I am so grateful to the countless people in our city whose mission it is to ensure that our children grow up in a caring and nurturing community."

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro was the guest speaker at the City Hall award ceremony attended by the mayor and representatives of the United Way of Milford, Bridges Community Center, the Milford Police Department and other organizations.

"We are all stakeholders in our communities," she said. "This award is given to towns which make a difference in children's lives, and this is what Milford has done."

The award is from America's Promise Alliance, a group founded by Gen. Colin Powell in 1997 to ensure that all children graduate from high school and are well-prepared for college or work. It was sponsored by ING Financial Services.

The recognition is bestowed upon municipalities that have shown "extraordinary community-wide efforts to improve the well-being of youth and end the nation's dropout crisis," according to the alliance.

"Through its innovative and far-reaching programs, Milford is taking bold and effective steps to help their young people graduate and lead healthy, productive lives," Alliance President and CEO Marguerite W. Kondracke said in a statement.

"Milford serves as an inspiration to other communities across the nation to tackle the challenges facing their city and children, and to implement initiatives to give them the essential resources they need to succeed in life."

The more than 400 corporations involved in the alliance use various methods to improve how youth are treated, and heard, throughout the United States.

The alliance is aimed at ensuring five promises to the country's kids: caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, an effective education and opportunities to help others.

The mayor thanked various groups for making the award possible, including:

• Milford Youth & Family Services, a city department that provides family therapy, youth awards and other services.
• Milford Youth Commission, which gives young people a voice by allowing them to share questions and comments with the town's leaders;
• Milford Promise, which works with America's Promise to instill moral values in children.
• Milford Prevention Council, a drug-prevention group.

Milford is the only Connecticut municipality to win four times.

The mayor seems to be doing his part. He annually recognizes students who are active in the community. High school students graduate with a Diploma of Distinction if they average 40 hours of community service each year.

"I host meetings with the Boy and Girl Scouts, talk to them about the Top 100 honors, and always go to the schools to speak," Richetelli said.

He's not, however, resting on his laurels.  Richetelli is aiming to get another large pushpin award next year — which would mark the fifth time Milford would be honored — so he could post the good news again.

"We need to keep doing what we've been," Richetelli said. "We need to expand the Milford Prevention Council and constantly be thinking about how we can evolve and improve."