A teen pregnancy prevention group is honoring local residents for their support.
Gaston Youth Connected handed out awards at a banquet Thursday evening at the Gastonia Conference Center.
Formed by the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina, the program received a five-year, $5.8 million grant in 2010 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce teen pregnancy rates in Gaston County.
The group served 716 people in 2011 and 2012.
Michelle Reese, community integration coordinator, said award honorees spend many hours working with teenagers in Gaston County.
Among the volunteers is Bill Seabrook of Gastonia, who received an inaugural award named for him in recognition of his volunteerism in the community and service on the group’s leadership committee.
Reese said Seabrook was instrumental in helping get the CDC grant.
Gaston Youth Connected award recipients:
Outstanding teen leader: Alexus Costner of Gastonia
Outstanding teen parent: Brianna Cooke of Gastonia
Supportive parent award: Troy and Annete Philips of Gastonia
Rising star facilitator award: Staff of Phoenix Counseling Center
Outstanding facilitator award: Hanna Kirlin, Gastonia
Outstanding service learning project: TOP Teens Program with the Gaston County Health Department
Knowledge to Action Award: I Am My Sister organization of Gastonia
Medical Champion Award: Dr. Velma Taormina, medical director with Gaston County Health Department
Bill Seabrook “Do Something” Award: Bill Seabrook of Gastonia