05 Jun NFL YET End of the School Year Graduation Ceremony
On May 24, 2013, Communities in Schools (CIS) and the NFL YET Center presented an “End of School Year Ceremony”. The program was planned by Eve McKinsey, and was held at the NFL YET Center, located at 7090 NW 22 Avenue in Miami. Graduation decorations and large colorful alphabet letters and numbers graced the gymnasium section of the center. An air of expectation and excitement filled the room as parents, siblings and assorted other family members gathered to support the graduates and award recipients. Approximately 200 people were in attendance for the program which included songs, a poem recitation, dance, mime, and presentation of awards, recognition of graduates, and recognition of other individuals.
A special recognition was given the youth with the most points for the center’s Score Store. The Score Store is an incentive program for the youth to be cooperative, well-behaved, consistently attend the center and participate in its activities. A flat screen television, donated by the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, was awarded to Jemelle Bowers, an A and B honor roll student who earned 1,000 points to use in the Score Store. She began attending the YET Center during the summer of 2012. Her teachers remarked that they enjoyed working with her and acknowledged her willingness to participate in the center’s activities. Jemelle is very deserving of the flat screen television!
Special attention was directed towards the Precious Touch Dance Team. This group of girls won first place at a hip-hop dance competition recently. They received award medals and certificates from the director of the NFL YET Center, Bobby Johnson.
The children who performed as the Mimes were from Brutha to Brutha Ministry at New Jerusalem Church.
Julie Russell, parent of 6 year old graduate, Jordan Russell, stated that she had positive feelings about her son’s participation in the center’s programs. Jordan has had a good experience; he wanted to attend earlier, but had to wait until he was six before being able to participate. Ms. Russell said Jordan attended the after school program for the center’s activities and is her fourth child to participate in the program. She especially liked the tutoring that was offered as well as the computer sessions.
Funds to support the event were provided by The Whole Village Theatre & Arts and The Children’s Trust. At the conclusion of the ceremony, adults received hygiene products which were donated by the Proctor & Gamble Corporation. Rug Rat books, which were donated by the U.S. Coast Guard, were given to all children in attendance. Refreshments were served following the event.
Written by Darlene Gay