Jun 12, 2013 3 min read

Every person is a person of worth. When I meet a new young person, I try to look beyond the superficial. I am an optimist about teens. I am secure in the future because I believe their generation will step up and do the right thing. At our annual Awards Night May 29, our Real Talk Performers presented their latest educational drama, “If You Only Knew Me.” The play focuses on bullying and consists of actual monologues written by teens. Our performers did an outstanding job. We then honored community members who support our mission to young people and recognized senior peer educators. I asked the adults in the audience to share something positive about the young people in their lives. I’m honored to share their comments to the open-ended statement: “A positive thing about young people is …”

• They are fun, inquisitive.

• Their enthusiasm for new things

• Their incredible strength and ability and bravery

• Their ability to care about how something affects all kinds of people

• Their voices help older generations see what is truly important – the worth of all people.

• Even the most difficult children want limits set – despite their objections to rules they grow to understand that rules and consequences protect them. It’s nice to see these young people mature and make decisions wisely.

• They keep the balance between good and evil.

• They are smart, funny and resourceful. They want to learn, share and love. They need boundaries, unconditional love, and respect.

• Their infectious enthusiasm and overall willingness – when properly approached – i.e. Mary Jo’s program

• They dare to be different.

• Their amazing energy

• Their positive attitudes and hard working ethic

• They are fearless and full of amazement.

• Their idealism

• They never cease to amaze you and they always have the ability to help us see things from a new point of view.

• I am amazed by how quickly a young person can change a negative situation to a positive one.

• Their ability to help each and every one of us see hope and potential – the fresh views in all their faces renew our spirits

• They are funny. They are smart.

• Their respect for the older people. I have been helped by young people when other people passed me by.

• Young people can be respectful. When I see them together, I am very proud.

• They are loving, respectful and supportive.

• They are not afraid to speak up for what they believe is just and fair

• They are brave.

• They’re different than me, and that’s all right.

• They are kind, helpful, respectful, intelligent (teaching me something new every day), generous, and positive insight – the center of my world.

• They are very knowledgeable, respectful and try their best at everything. They like to see the best in everyone.

• That in most cases they will lend a helping hand to those in need

• Their endless energy for their passion in life

Kudos to our performers in “If You Only Knew Me”: Amanda Campbell, Troy Frazier, Serena Green, Natalie Gloady, Mackenzie Martin, David Pascoe, Raelynn Sanders, Sarah Smith and Sabrina Tecklenberg.

Open House

Our IKEA kitchen is complete! What a transformation! So many people in our community helped us win the contest – please join us for an open house on Monday, June 24, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 410 N. Main Street, Washington. Our peer educators will create the snacks. You’ll love the kitchen. Our teens designed it, and it’s orange, turquoise, white and brown. The colors really work!