NEWS
July 16, 2026 Designated “YDO Day” in Lawrence
07.12.26
In recognition of YDO’s 20th anniversary, the Lawrence City Council has designated July 16, 2026 as YDO Day, with a proclamation to “recognize and honor their 20 years of dedicated service to the youth and families of the City of Lawrence.”
With the support of City Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez (a YDO Parent) and City Clerk Eileen Bernal, a group of YDO Kids interested in government and policy formed the YDO Gov Club to advocate for this honor. First, our students learned how to bring a matter to the agenda of the City Council. Next, they presented to the Ordinance Committee in support of the declaration and, finally, to the full City Council on July 7, when their request was approved.
At the Ordinance Committee meeting, Councilor Gregory DelRosario—who has two YDO Kids himself—praised our work, sharing: “This is an amazing program … I can see at my house, with my kids, the great work that you do. And, it shouldn’t just be YDO Day on that day; it should be YDO Day every year.”
The students who formed the YDO Gov Club and led this effort are Maiya Maldonado (rising 10th grader, Abbott Lawrence Academy), Milan Castillo (9th, Phillips Academy in Andover), Isabella Mora (8th, New England Innovation Academy), and Laisha Morales (7th, Lawrence Family Development Charter School).