On Thursday, March 4, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter delivered his annual Budget Address, “Fighting for Philadelphia: A Safer, Smarter and More Sustainable Future” before City Council, and he gave special recognition to our 2009 valedictorian, Zurrell Toney:

Across the city, thousands of Philadelphians are acting in partnership with their government, giving back to communities, volunteering in town watch, mentoring a child, spending time at hospitals, recreation centers and much more.

Each one is living the ideal of Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection … Philadelphia, The City of Service.

There’s Zurrell Toney, a high school dropout who became an AmeriCorps volunteer logging more than 900 hours rebuilding homes for low-income families.

I met him at his graduation from YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School where he was the valedictorian. He’s now in college with dreams of owning a business. Please recognize Zurrell.”  (Full text)

Zurrell is currently earning high marks at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and recently stepped into a leadership role in his business class for a semester long group project.  Congratulations Zurrell!

A long time supporter of YouthBuild Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter keynoted our 2009 commencement ceremony, and we are proud to call him a member of the YouthBuild family!

Watch the video of the Mayor’s Budget Address at cbs3.com (shout-out at 13:20)