LEWISTON – A Lewiston delegation returned home from Anaheim, Calif., at 9 p.m. June 12 following their quest for the 2006 All-America City Award, which is annually bestowed by the National Civic League.

This year, 28 communities nationwide competed for the municipal “Academy Award,” a testament to civic engagement and public-private partnerships for the betterment of citizens and communities. Originally, 34 communities were slated to compete; however, six finalists withdrew as the Anaheim event grew closer.

Although not selected as one of the 10 winners this year, all attendees touted the experience as a positive opportunity to showcase Lewiston at the national level.

Eight members of the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council were part of the delegation, as the council has been the lead organization in Lewiston’s effort to acquire the honor.

Before Sunday night’s award ceremony, council Chairwoman Sarah Peters told the group, “I’ve learned so much about Lewiston, and my entire perspective about our community has changed. Although I’m going to Boston for college in the fall, Lewiston will always be the place I want to come home to.”

Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr. echoed Peters’ sentiments, “I’ve experienced many things during my life, but I’ve never before experienced anything like what occurred in Anaheim. It was absolutely unbelievable.”

Guay described the pride he felt as the Lewiston delegation highlighted the story of Lewiston’s transformation into a diversified economy that is attracting business, welcoming cultural enhancement and utilizing the creativity of young people. He also described the energy and teamwork among the 27 delegates who attended to advocate on Lewiston’s behalf.

With the theme of “Scoring Goals in Lewiston,” the group performed on June 10 before a 10-person jury and answered questions.

“The presentation went flawlessly, which is a true testament to the hard work of all involved,” said City Administrator James A. Bennett. “Although not a 2006 All-America winner, our passion and energy about Lewiston has not been diminished by the judges’ decision. We were proud of other communities’ vocal support of Lewiston’s success story, and we will continue to be the city’s biggest cheerleaders.”

During the award ceremony, the 2006 All-America cities were announced: Lincoln, Calif.; Longmont, Colo.; Sarasota County, Fla.; Marietta, Ga.; Kansas City, Mo.; Columbus, Ohio; Maumee, Ohio; Richland County, S.C.; DeSoto, Texas; and Pharr, Texas.

Councilor Norm Rousseau said, “Sure, we’d love to have received the national distinction, but we are already winners because we recognize all that our hometown has to offer, and we want to keep the momentum going. The youth council, along with the entire delegation as a whole, can hold their heads high knowing that we provided other United States communities with a taste of why Lewiston is setting the pace.’ All that we witnessed, learned, and experienced from this journey has further inspired us to sing the praises of Lewiston, Maine.”