Caroline County is an All-America City.
The county was recognized by the National Civic League's All-America City program, which recognizes communities that tackle challenges and achieve results that have a significant local impact.
A group traveled to Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday to make a presentation on why Caroline should be one of the All-America localities. The winners were announced Friday.
"This award exemplifies what people can do when they pull together," said Frank Hammon, chairman of Caroline's All-America City committee. "I hope the citizens of Caroline take pride in this."
He described the All-America City designation as like an Oscar for civics, and went on to say that the award also can be used for economic development and to lure businesses to the area.
"This is something we can tout and we'll have it forever," he said.
The projects Caroline County submitted were:
The Dawn Rehabilitation Project, which features construction of a wastewater-treatment system and has upgraded about 20 homes that didn't have indoor plumbing;
The Dental Health Program, which provides dental care to low-income youth;
The Caroline County Library System, which has become more than just a library by stepping up its efforts to offer assistance to residents because of the current economic conditions.
There is no monetary prize, but the national recognition is worth it, county officials said.
The county placed in the top 17 finalists in 2008 and was the only Virginia locality represented both years.
Local donors and the Industrial Development Authority contributed about $17,500 to pay for the trip.
"I think it's great that local business was able to step up and send this delegation to the finals," Hammon said.
Art students at the high school were asked to design a 12-inch square representation of Caroline County that will be stitched on to the National All-America Cities Quilt.
Caroline High student Shelby Godfrey was the winner of the design. Alexis Alton was the runner-up.
The square was sewn together along with the other 31 finalists for 2009 into one large quilt. The quilt will tour the country, going to each of the finalists' areas in 2010.
The 2009 quilt was displayed in Caroline at various locations from mid-May to mid-June.
Portsia Smith: 540/374-5419
Email: psmith@fredericksburg.com
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