Senator Steve Conway, Rep. Rick Talbert and other community leaders will be part of a human Tunnel of Hope giving high-fives and cheering on Boze Elementary School students as they file through the tunnel of caring adults Jan. 21.
Boze students will pledge to honor their potential by going through the tunnel, which will include the Lincoln High School drumline and cheerleaders, and parents. Students will recite the Kids at Hope pledge, and adults will take the Treasure Hunters pledge, signifying their commitment to an initiative that is changing the way the students see their future.
Research shows that children (and adults) who learn and practice positive self talk are more optimistic, successful and hopeful than those who do not. As a result, the Kids at Hope pledge was created as an affirmation of the Kids at Hope initiative. This is an evidenced-based belief system that reverses the “youth at risk” paradigm and engages an entire school, youth organization and/or community in the effort to support the success of all children—without exception.
“We are proud to be part of this effort to uplift our children and give them hope for a great future,” said Boze Principal Wendy Pye-Carter. “Saying the pledge each morning is a great way to start the day on a positive note and reminds us that we are capable of success in all we do if we make the effort.”
“The pledge is a key part of this effort because, just as we train our brain to read, do arithmetic and remember important facts, we also need to train our brain to be positive and hopeful,” said Kids at Hope founder and president, Rick Miller. “The real power of self-talk is how it changes behavior.”
Kids at Hope is an initiative that empowers youth-serving organizations (schools, YMCAs, parks and recreation departments, police and fire department, etc.) and entire communities to create an environment where all children experience success without exception. This cultural transformation is happening in 29 communities in 11 states, as well as in Canada.
For more information, check the Kids at Hope Web site at www.kidsathope.org or contact Bev McDonald, Bose Kids at Hope Committee chair, at 53.571.4632.