YouthBuild students from Quincy and Worcester were among over 350 young people from 11 Massachusetts YouthBuild programs who attended the 13th annual YouthBuild Day at the State House on January 27.

The day began in the Great Hall with speakers including Second Assistant Majority Leader, Rep. Byron Rushing; Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety Kevin Burke; and Rep. Gloria Fox. Gov. Duvall Patrick also visited the assembly.

A student speaker from each program shared their personal stories of transformation, telling about what YouthBuild has done for them. After each speaker their entire group stood to say a pledge to YouthBuild ideals they had composed, a pledge recited at the beginning of each day.

“YouthBuild is giving me a much larger perspective on life. This program is assisting me in becoming a better and more responsible man and worker,” said Quincy student Dallas Fox, grandson of Rep. Fox.

Worcester student Carlos Orozco said, “YouthBuild has been an inspirational experience for me. It put me on a straight path to success.”

YouthBuild students and staff spent the afternoon with their legislators or assistants discussing local programs, the need for additional state support due to decreased federal funding, and the importance of YouthBuild in their lives and in their communities.

"YouthBuild Day at the State House is a tremendous opportunity for young people to learn that their government is personal and that their legislators are real people who care about supporting their education and growth," said Andrew Mente, Chairperson of the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition.

Secretary of Public Safety Kevin Burke said, "You should be proud of the changes you are making in your lives and for what you are contributing in your communities. My office is working with YouthBuild Programs as anti-gang community interventions and I know YouthBuild works.”

Other programs represented were from Boston, Brockton, Cambridge-Chelsea, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, New Bedford, and Springfield.

For more photos, click here.

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