Boys Town New England celebrated one time-honored tradition, the Citizenship Ceremony, while starting a new one, the first-ever Spring Block Party, on Saturday, June 3 on the Bazarsky Campus in Portsmouth, RI. Nine boys and girls were officially welcomed into the Boys Town community during the traditional ceremony. Yet this year, the kids were inducted before an unusually large crowd gathered for the inaugural Spring Block Party.
As part of the ceremony, each youth bravely addressed the attendees and spoke heartfelt words about their Boys Town experience so far and what they hoped to learn while living on campus. Afterwards, Rhode Island State Senator Linda Ujifusa, State Representative Terri Cortvriend and State Representative Michelle McGaw presented each inductee with a proclamation certificate signifying their induction.
“The Citizenship Ceremony is such a meaningful part of the Boys Town experience and I was so excited that our kids, families, staff and friends could share this day with one another," said Director of Fundraising Glenn Hofmann. “The kids were amazing and deserved all the attention they received, and our guests were able to get a real sense of what Boys Town is all about. It was a great day for everyone."
Following the ceremony, three families opened their Family Homes to the community and the block party began. Each home featured catered food and desserts from area restaurants including Boat House, La Vecina Taqueria, Brick Alley Pub, Portsmouth Publick House, West Main Pizza, Becky's BBQ and Cupcake Charlies. The party also included posters showcasing the history of Boys Town, and an inflatable bounce house and obstacle course for younger attendees. Boys Town New England plans to add the Spring Block Party to its calendar each year as an opportunity to share the very best of our organization with the community.