West Rocks Middle School students beam while visiting the Stepping Stones Museum for Children Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Contributed by the Carver Center

Mayor Richard Moccia and Novelette Peterkin show off the award naming Norwalk one of the 100 Best Communities for Youth.

Photo Credit: Contributed by the Carver Center

NORWALK, Conn. – Local middle school students got a treat Wednesday – a trip to the Stepping Stones Museum for Children to hear Vice President Joe Biden and others via a webcast on the museum's big screen.

The trip was in honor of Norwalk's being named one of America's Promise Alliance's 100 Best Communities for Young People. The award was presented by ING for Norwalk's initiatives to help young people. It's the second time Norwalk has received the title.

The competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth. Norwalk was recognized in part because of Briggs High School, an alternative learning center for disadvantaged youth, the Center for Youth Leadership at Brien McMahon High School and the mayor's summer youth jobs program.

The George Washington Carver Center applied for the award. Norwalk will receive a $2,500 grant, signage identifying the community as one of the nation's 100 Best Communities for Young People, and access to America's Promise Alliance's community development resources.

Novelette Peterkin, executive director of the Carver Center, said in an email that the grant will fund a celebratory event in March, similar to one held at Norwalk Community College this spring to celebrate last year's win.

Students from West Rocks Middle School were invited to the museum Wednesday to celebrate the national award. They heard from Alma Powell, America's Promise Alliance chairperson, Biden and others via a live feed from Washington, D.C.

Peterkin said they witnessed similar gatherings in communities and school districts all around the country and learned that the recognition is in honor of "all the precious work being done throughout the city to improve the lives of Norwalk youth." State Sen. Bob Duff, Mayor Richard Moccia and Susan Marks, superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, were there in person to offer inspiring words, Peterkin said.

"It was special to see the hope in their eyes and joy on their faces as they realized that Norwalk is in good company and has made great strides to improve the lives of its youth," she said.