Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

New team of City Year volunteers sworn in

Mayor Nutter took the stage at the Warwick Hotel yesterday - in the same ballroom where he celebrated his nomination as Democratic candidate for mayor in 2007 - and beamed as he donned a red jacket.

Mayor Nutter took the stage at the Warwick Hotel yesterday - in the same ballroom where he celebrated his nomination as Democratic candidate for mayor in 2007 - and beamed as he donned a red jacket.

He was there to speak and swear in 215 young adults as corps members of City Year Greater Philadelphia at this year's Opening Day Ceremony. And, for his continued support, was presented with a bright red City Year jacket embroidered "Mayor Nutter."

"It is a tremendous honor to have been asked to be here to swear in the young people," Nutter told the crowd of hundreds, including representatives from more than 20 sponsoring companies. "The impact you will have on lives in Philadelphia is not just day-to-day."

Nutter, who has been involved with City Year in Philadelphia for 12 years, traveled to Boston as a city councilman to convince members to bring the program here.

Philadelphia is now the largest City Year site in the United States - surpassing even New York City.

Yesterday's opening ceremony was followed by a day of volunteering at the Caring People Alliance West Philadelphia Community Center in Mantua.

Beginning Monday, teams of corps members start a year of full-time volunteer work at 13 high schools and 14 middle and elementary schools throughout the Philadelphia area.

Alicia Jeremiah, 24, a Philadelphia native and City Year corps member who served as an emcee yesterday, said she joined City Year to become a part of change.

In a city plagued by violence, she said City Year corps members have an important task.

"[We can] keep students from going home to the streets where violence begins," said Jeremiah, who will serve at Shaw Middle School in Southwest Philadelphia.

Her co-emcee and corps member, 24-year-old John Forsyth of Havertown, will serve at Kensington's International Business High School.

One of City Year's biggest sponsors nationally and locally is Comcast Corp.

"Comcast gave me the opportunity to get involved with City Year, and it was an instant love affair," said Art Block, general counsel and senior vice president who also serves on the local City Year board. "It's just really a moving experience for me personally."

Joe Banner, president and chief operating officer of the Philadelphia Eagles, is co-chair of the board.

"During those tough times, remember the fact that you said 'yes' to this challenge makes you special," he told corps members yesterday. "The difference you're making is happening at so many levels."

Nutter said despite recent events in the city such as the murder of Police Officer Patrick McDonald, it is still important for him to take time to recognize the City Year volunteers.

"These young people are trying to serve in a different way," he said. "When children have these role models, they will grow up to be better citizens." *