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Then he smiled approvingly as they spoke of the Youth Services Bureau programs that helped them get better grades and make the best of their school experiences.

"School was just really boring," said Alejandro Martinez, a sophomore at Parkdale High School in Riverdale. "I didn't like taking tests, but I learned some ways to do better on tests. I worked with a tutor and my grades have gotten better."

Students, volunteers and YSB directors from all over Maryland were on hand as Brown was presented with the Maryland Association of YSB's Advocacy Award on Sept. 3 at the College Park YSB.

YSB programs range from after school activities, tutoring and testing evaluation to family crisis counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and prevention and anger management. There are 17 YSB locations in Maryland, five of which are in Prince George's County.

Brown has been active in securing funding for YSBs throughout the state and has fought to keep MAYSB as its own line item on Gov. Martin O'Malley's budget.

"I want to thank you for your commitment to yourself," Brown said to the students in attendance. "It really does begin with individual responsibility. I want you to know that we as a community are here to support you and your families."

As a member of the state delegation in 2004, Brown advocated for the opening of a District Heights location, and worked with the District Heights City Council to secure the funding.

Local elected officials at the ceremony included College Park Mayor Stephen Brayman, Greenbelt Mayor Judith Davis, Del. Tawanna Gaines (D-Dist. 22) of Berwyn Heights, Del. Anne Healey (D-Dist. 22) of Hyattsville and Del. Barbara Frush (D-Dist. 21) of Beltsville.

Brown praised Brayman and Davis for contributing public money to MAYSB.

"That says a lot about Mayor Brayman and Mayor Davis that they're willing to contribute city dollars," he said. "It benefits their city, but goes beyond the city. Certainly it speaks to how we are one community."

College Park contributes more than $500,000 a year to YSB programs, Brayman said.

Liz Park, Greenbelt CARES Youth and Family Services Center director, presented the award and spoke about Brown's focus on children and families, before he was even Lieutenant Governor.

"As a member of the house of delegates, Brown advocated for and put forth legislation that has helped health care, adoption, education and improved juvenile justice system," Park said. "You are helping to plan how families come into our communities and ensure they have the support they need."

One of the YSB programs held at the College Park Youth Services Center is Lakeland Stars, a tutoring program run by the University of Maryland, College Park Scholars.

Jazmin Castrillo, a seventh-grader at Nicholas Orem Middle School in Hyattsville, spoke about her experiences with Lakeland Stars.

"I loved Lakeland Stars because of all the different things I learned from the tutors," she said. "To whoever wants to be a part of Lakeland stars, go for it. It's just a great program."

E-mail Jonah Schuman at jschuman@gazette.net.