All America City

Twenty-two Fort Wayne delegates left town today to make a pitch for the All America City Award. The team is made up of both city officials and Fort Wayne residents. They’ve been put months of work into their presentation. The team believes they have a winning formula! Fort Wayne won this award twice back in 1982 and 1998. If we win this year the city will forever rest in the All American City Hall of Fame. Kerri Przemielewski from the Mayor’s Office says “the All American City Award is really something to brag about!” But not only is it major bragging rights. This award can help the cities economy. Przemielewski says “When companies are looking at our city and see that we are rated as All American city, they see that as a community that pitches in. A lot of companies kind of feel good about relocating to an All American city.” The team is ready to woo the judges. They only have 10 minuets to highlight three aspects of the city: Great Kids make Great Communities, International Community, and the Trails System. Przemielewski says “We had so much to choose from, and trying to whittle it down to what project we would highlight was a lengthy process.” An Afghani Refugee, Shafinquallah Fahim, is on the team. He will tell the judges how Fort Wayne changed his life. “Fort Wayne has supported me a lot in the educational system. If I were not to be here in Fort Wayne I don’t know what would happen with my situation back home.” The team is confident about their chances! City Greenway Manager, Dawn Ritchie, says “We have an excellent shot. I mean Fort Wayne is one of the best communities in America. And I am confident the judges will notice that.” Fort Wayne will be competing against 22 other cities. Friday evening the results come in!