The City of Norwalk honored volunteers and scholarship recipients at the 30th annual Teen Alliance Program (TAP) scholarship and recognition dinner held May 2 at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex.

The event, which drew students, families, alumni and city leaders, featured remarks from members of the Norwalk City Council and a student address by Cesar Perez. City leaders recognized scholarship winners and asked alumni to return for the milestone celebration. "I've been in TAP since I was a freshman. I think one thing I enjoyed the most, getting to know people," Cesar Perez said in his remarks.

The evening also included a surprise recognition for Rosie Lozoya. City remarks at the event called attention to Lozoya's two decades of leadership with the program. "We need to recognize her after 20 years of leading this program," a speaker said, and Lozoya responded that she was grateful and thanked parents and TAP students who “make my job easier.”

Current and former TAP participants gave short testimonials during the program about the skills they gained through volunteering, including job-readiness, networking and confidence-building. Multiple student speakers described TAP as a way to make friends, build work habits and gain experience at community events such as summer concerts and festivals. Several said the program helped them develop time-management and communication skills that will benefit them in college and work.

City staff and event organizers distributed scholarships, raffle prizes and recognition items during the dinner. The program emphasized alumni engagement as part of its 30th anniversary activities and invited former TAP volunteers to return to mentor and celebrate with this year’s graduates.

Organizers asked attendees and prospective volunteers to contact the Norwalk Teen Center or the Recreation and Park Services department for information on volunteering, future events and scholarship opportunities.