WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE TO HOST
"WORCESTER RISING" EVENT
FOR WORCESTER PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

(Worcester, MA)--A group of 11 high school juniors from the Worcester Public Schools will participate in a hands-on civics camp with leaders in government, media, clergy and community activism for a “Worcester Rising,” event, Monday, April 21 through Thursday April 24.  The event, organized by a group of civic and community leaders under the banner, “Worcester Rising,” is designed to, “educate, encourage and engage students in the civic process.” 

“We have been talking about the need to seek out and prepare future leaders for the city for a long time,” said Worcester City Clerk David Rushford about the genesis of the idea.  “These are the people that will be in our shoes in 20 years.”  Rushford and Worcester Probate and Family Court Community Liaison Paul LaCava, who has taught urban studies and attended Worcester State College, said the partnership with the college was a natural.   They worked with a planning committee to organize the event featuring Congressman James P. McGovern, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, District Attorney Joseph D. Early, WTAG Talk Show Host and Former Worcester Mayor and former Worcester State College Trustee Jordan Levy, in addition to leaders from the media, social activism and clergy.  These leaders will work with the students in a series of workshops designed to engage them in their government and community.  “From the beginning, everyone we called upon to ask for participation said yes,” said Rushford.

The planning committee consists of: Honorary Chair, John B. Anderson, former Worcester Mayor and City Councilor; Stephen G. Abraham, Register of Probate and Family Court; Steven H. Corey, Professor and Chair of Worcester State College Urban Studies Department; Colleen A. Kelly, Worcester Public Schools History and Social Science Liaison; Probate and Family Court Community Liaison Paul V. LaCava Director of Community and intergovernmental Relations for Third District Congressman James P. McGovern Gladys Rodriguez-Parker; Worcester City Clerk David J. Rushford and Worcester State College Executive Assistant to the President Judith A. St. Amand.

 

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