Published in Newburyport Daily News

NEWBURYPORT — Newburyport Youth Services and The Beacon Coalition will honor the winners of the 10th annual Asset Builder Awards on March 21 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Auditorium.

It is annual opportunity to recognize community members who through their work, encourage, empower and support youths in one of the eight categories of the 40 Assets, according to a press release.

The Asset Builder Award winners are Pelican Intervention Fund founders Steven and Kim Keene, and Elizabeth McCarthy; eighth-graders Finn Sullivan, Jack Fehlner, Grant Mossesian, Trevor Maines and Evan Aldrich; Edward Speck of Theater in the Open; and Nock Middle School teacher Mike Pirollo.

 The 40 Assets framework, developed by the Search Institute, identifies a set of skills, experiences, relationships and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults.

The greater number of assets a younger person has, the lower number of high-risk behaviors they become involved in, the press release said. The Beacon Coalition uses this model as its framework for prevention.

The winners were selected from these eight categories based on their contribution to support one or more of the assets in their work with youths in the community:

Support — This award recognizes an individual or organization who supports and advocates for youths. More than just a good friend, this is an individual who is trusted, respected and able to connect people to the resources they need. Or it can be a family that demonstrates healthy communication and support.

Empowerment — A young person who has taken on challenges with the hope of making a difference or an adult or organization that works to empower young people by building skills or creating opportunity for leadership.

Positive identity — An organization that helps to build self-esteem in young people and/or a young person who displays a positive model of identity to peers.

Commitment to learning — An organization that strives toward expanding the knowledge of young people throughout the community or a young person dedicated to learning and pursuing further knowledge and inspiring others to do the same.

Positive values — This award recognizes a young person who has demonstrated honesty, character and conviction in their everyday life. A person with integrity does what is right, not what is easy.

Constructive use of time — An individual who uses free time for positive programs or creative activities, or an organization whose purpose is to support youths in their use of time to better themselves or others.

Boundaries and expectations — This award recognizes an individual considered an adult role model or positive peer influence. This individual has a good sense and supports appropriate family, school and neighborhood boundaries.

Social competencies — An individual or organization who supports and excels in planning and decision making, interpersonal skills, cultural competence, resistance skills, and/or peaceful conflict resolution.