A Bridgeport pastor was recognized for helping young people aim high and achieve their dreams.

Rev. Dr. Herron K. Gaston was singled out in a ceremony at Summerfield United Methodist Church.

He founded a program called Youth with a Purpose to help kids stay in school and on track. He says he prides himself on focusing the light of education on young people, and showing them how to make it shine.

"Much of this program is funded directly from Summerfield United Methodist Church, and I love these kids so much that I invest my entire church salary into this program called, Youth with a Purpose," says Gaston.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal honored Gaston, saying, "Not only is he giving young people a wonderful path forward, but he is investing literally all of his own compensation to make that path possible. That's what is called real commitment."

Gaston says he's proud to have gone from the streets of Bridgeport to Yale University, where he earned multiple degrees.

Blumenthal also called Gaston, "a true champion for Connecticut's future leaders."