Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/135276
Sarasota News Leader June 7, 2013 Page 55 CITY LAUNCHES TEEN CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM In conjunction with numerous community partners, the City of Sarasota has launched a teen self-awareness and improvement program known as the Honorable Alliance for Reclaiming Destiny: North Sarasota Original Chapter (HARD:NOC), the city has announced. A small group of young men and women, ages 13-15, were selected to participate in a yearlong pilot program; it will focus on exposing them to various opportunities as well as on self-improvement, including character building, a news release says. An orientation ceremony was held May 30 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex (RLTCC) on 34th Street to officially induct the participants into the program. Lonnetta M. Gaines, a local writer, dancer, artist and motivational speaker, addressed the group, the release notes. "This is a comprehensive program," Jerry Fogle, RLTCC manager, said in the release. "We want our kids to reach their full potential. Through HARD:NOC, we want to broaden their view and let them know there's no limit to what they can do or become." personal communication, health and personal safety," Brunie Neira, the recreational specialist coordinating the program, said in the release. "We'll go over healthy relationships, self esteem, character building, etiquette, table manners, being a good citizen, volunteerism, responsibility and we'll wrap up with art appreciation," Neira added. Many aspects of the HARD:NOC curriculum are already taught by various nonprofit organizations throughout the Sarasota community, the release points out. Each week a different community partner will participate in HARD:NOC by providing a lecture, roundtable discussion or field trip. For example, the Sheriff's Activity League of Sarasota will take the students to an obstacle course to teach them about team building, the Sarasota Literacy Council will discuss interpersonal communication and We R 4 Kids will present an anti-bullying lesson, the release continues. "Plans also are in the works for a fine dining excursion in downtown Sarasota to take the students out of their comfort zone, expose them to a new experience and build their self confidence," it adds. "A lot of agencies and organizations in the area already have impressive teen programs that are specific to one topic," City Manager Tom Barwin said in the release. "With HARD:NOC, we're compiling these assets in a comprehensive manner. This is something new for the city and the community. I'm optimistic we'll enrich some young lives and make "We will begin with classroom expectations, them realize they have choices available and rules and code of conduct. Then, we will move then become mentors themselves," he added through sessions in avoiding conflict, inter- in the release. The 16 participants will meet twice a week for approximately two hours, with the boys and girls in separate groups, the release continues. The curriculum will cover an array of topics, with the help of community partners, and it will include round-table discussions and field trips.