City of Hyattsville Names Employee Of The Year

HYATTSVILLE, MD -- Saarah Abdul-Rauf, who supervises Youth Programs for the City of Hyattsville, was named the 2019 recipient of the Seth Holton Award, which recognizes exemplary service to the Hyattsville community, according to a city release. The award is named for the Hyattsville's first City Clerk and designates the recipient as the city's Employee of the Year.

“Saarah’s performance this year was outstanding," said Cheri Everhart, manager of Recreation and Events, who nominated Abdul-Rauf for the award, in the release. "She developed and led a successful team of youth coordinators to expand City programming. Her work has allowed more children and teens to participate in City’s camps and Teen Center."

A 2011 graduate of William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina, Abdul-Rauf joined the Hyattsville staff in 2015 and was promoted to Supervisor of Youth Programs in fall 2018.

“I am proud of the many things my team and I have accomplished this year — they are a contributing factor to all the success we have had,” Abdul-Rauf said, in the release. “I am most proud that we provide an inclusive camp environment. Particularly, we’ve incorporated American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and deaf counselors to our programming. Giving any young person, no matter their ability, an opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time is important and a reason why I love my job.”

Under Abdul-Rauf's leadership, a team of youth program coordinators have expanded and diversified program offerings for youth and teens. Starting in fall 2018, the Teen Center after-school program introduced academic mentoring and expanded to five days a week. A Camp Counselor in Training program was added to the Summer Camp program, offering professional experience and service hours for ages 13 to 17. Camps are also now offered on days that schools are closed.

“I’m thrilled with the selection of Saarah as our 2019 Employee of the Year. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to our community’s youth and teens is unmatched,” said Hyattsville Mayor Candace B. Hollingsworth, in the release. “Hyattsville teens and youth have a safe and fun place to hang out with high quality creative and educational programming. Saarah — and her team made that possible.”

The public can help the city celebrate Abdul-Rauf’s service at the 2019 award presentation, which will take place during the Feb. 3, Hyattsville City Council Meeting.