Benton County has again been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by the America's Promise Alliance.

An award celebration will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Speakers will include Jay Dixon, Benton County commissioner; JoAnn Miller, former director of the Commission on Children and Families; and Nia Whitfield, youth commissioner.

"It's an honor for Corvallis and Benton County to get this award, and it's for the third time," said Karen Nibler, interim director of the Commission on Children and Families. "The county is a great place to raise kids."

Benton County also received the award in 2005 and 2007. It is the only county in Oregon to be recognized in 2008.

At Thursday's event, winners of the Teen Idol competition will be introduced. The Benton County Commission on Children and Families will present awards for leadership, contributions by local businesses and volunteer services. Refreshments will be provided.

The Commission on Children and Families advises the board of commissioners on services that impact children, youth and families in Benton County. The county led the state in the area of child well-being in 2004, 2005 and 2006 with fewer cases of child abuse, teen pregnancy, juvenile crime, and the number of students in grades 8 through 11 who use illegal substances. During that time, the number of young people who completed high school increased.

Communities submitted information about programs and initiatives that focused on the areas of successful children, caring adults, safe places, healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others. Healthy Start of Benton County, which provides home visits for first-time parents, was one of the programs highlighted in the application process.

Applicants also were asked to describe how different segments of the community help ensure that young people graduate from high school prepared for college and the work force.

IF YOU GO

An award celebration to mark Benton County's selection as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. For a complete list of the 2008 award winners, see www.americaspromise.org.