Fall River Youth of the Year announced as part of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day®

Out of several great finalists, a Fall River Youth of the Year has been announced.

On March, 21, 2019, as part of Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® festivities, Mayor Jasiel Correia II, in conjunction with the School-Community Partnership, announced Catarina Pereira as the 2018 Fall River Youth of the Year. Sponsored by Partners for a Healthier Community, the award is designed to recognize and encourage the contributions and excellence of the young people of Fall River who have built their character and competence through the fulfillment of America’s Promises.

According to Youth Services Coordinator Christian McCloskey, the three-part process included: 1.) a nomination by a caring adult; 2.) an essay by the youth; and 3.) an interview. The nominations were based on personal achievement, leadership abilities, extracurricular activities, healthy living, effective learning opportunities, and/or community involvement. The essay required the youth to write about their path to success that was filled with some trials and tribulations, but also hard work and support of programs and people.

The 2018 finalists and the youth leadership groups they were involved included Chante Alves – Project Red and Black, Alexis Etress – Project Red and Black, Zahriah Foster – Literary Magazine Club, Kiona Morales – Project Red and Black, Kyle Neves – Durfee Student Government, Catarina Pereira – Mayor’s Youth Council, National Honor Society and New Durfee Committee, Amanda Sampson – Boys & Girls Club Keystone , Benjamin Ramos – Diman Student Government and representative to School Committee, Sophia Teves – Skills USA and Relay for Life.

For more information about the Youth of the Year, please contact Christian McCloskey at or at 508-982-4297.