Lawrence Jackson Jr./The Gazette Eric Streeter of Bladensburg hits the floor as he and other members of the Northwestern High School dance troupe "Colours" perform Saturday at Prince George's Community College in Largo as part of a Prevention Awareness Day Rally. The crime prevention event also featured a Q & A with Prince George's State's Attorney Glenn Ivey.

The rally last Saturday marked the official kick-off of the creation of three youth councils whose focus is to promote crime prevention awareness, literacy programs, and summer jobs for youth.

Through crime prevention awareness skits and role-play activities, members representing the Port Towns, Suitland, and the Greater Communities Youth Councils, engaged the audience by providing them with ideas on ways to deal with situations they may find themselves in. The Greater Communities Youth Council represents the Berwyn Heights, College Park, Greenbelt, New Carrolton, Riverdale Park and Riverdale communities.

County Councilman David Harrington (D-Dist. 5) of Bladensburg said the councils have already had a tremendous impact on the communities they are involved in especially since they provide local outreach and leadership from local leaders.

"What I really like is that they are locally managed," Harrington said. "Each community has ownership."

Rally attendees were also treated to a step show competition between Bladensburg High Step Team, Suitland High School's Brothers and Sisters United (BASU), Hyattsville's Nicholas Orem Step Team, and Riverdale's Parkdale High Steppers. The Bladensburg High Step Team and BASU tied for first place after a three-minute step-off. The Nicholas Orem Step Team placed third, with the Parkdale High Steppers coming in fourth.

In addition, the rally allowed a large number of County youth in attendance to obtain summer job applications to participate in the Jobs-For-Youth Program.

Under the program, youths between 14 and 18 years old who live, attend school or worship in council communities, and meet the program's criteria, will be guaranteed summer jobs. Applications are available through the County government through April 16.

Each council was presented with a proclamation from Johnson and county council members formally announcing the organizations and congratulating them on their achievements and goals.

Between now and the end of May, the councils will focus on leadership training and providing students with summer jobs before school recesses for summer vacation.

Both the councils and the Jobs-for-youth program are part of a memorandum of understanding Johnson recently signed with ETHM to implement a Youth Development and Empowerment Model (YDEM) that will ultimately be phased-in throughout the County. The YDEM is part of Johnson's Livable Communities Initiative.

Meanwhile, students attending the rally joined County Police Chief Melvin High in pledging to abstain from using drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or engaging in illicit sex. The youth also pledged to honor their homes, school, and community by respecting others and conducting themselves respectfully.