HCI Hosts ‘Power of ONE’ Breakfast 2010
Thanking anchorwoman Monique Braxton (front center) after her presentation were Penncrest High School students (front row) Lynn Green, Nicalia ThompSon, Nancy Brant, Kyle Davidson, Braxton, Vellicia Askew, Toni Benson, Alexas Fonseca, Cyndi Rogo and (back row) Brittney Johnson, Penncrest faculty advisor Bernadette Dacanay, Cayman Seiffert, Nick Ouyang, Brita Brant, Dianna Green, Corey Nix, Craig Cassey, and HCI Executive Director Dana Riker Jackson.
Healthy Communities Initiative’s (HCI) 3rd Annual Power of ONE Breakfast was held on May 25, at the Springhaven Country Club in Wallingford. The Breakfast is an annual fundraiser for HCI, bringing together close to 200 business and community leaders, school administrators and educators, local government officials, and concerned parents and citizens. Supporters are updated on HCI’s outreach programs for parents, students, and schools, and plans and goals for the future are also presented.
NBC 10’s Monique Braxton was the honorary chairperson and keynote speaker for the event. Braxton had a checklist for students that included things to do, and what not to do, to be successful, now and in the future. One of the things Braxton cautioned students about is how they present themselves to the outside world, especially on social networking sites including Facebook.
“A future admissions officer of the college you really want to attend, as well as a potential employer, may see a photo or posting on Facebook that does not present you in the best light,” cautioned Braxton. “Don’t post compromising photos or comments on any other networking site. These postings could follow you into your adult life and impact your future.”
Braxton also urged the students to get involved in helping out in the community; put a top priority on their present and future education; respect themselves and others; and to never lose sight of their dreams and passions.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood was also on hand to give the opening remarks. Chitwood and his department have had much experience dealing with the “fallout” of risky behaviors and bad decisions.
“Young people have their whole future ahead of them, but they need to be aware and careful that they do not destroy that future with bad decisions,” said Chitwood. “HCI is an organization that recognizes the serious issues affecting our young people. HCI’s positive, innovative programs enable adolescents to explore their possibilities and choices, fully understand the consequences of their actions, and learn how to make good decisions to achieve their goals.”
Eighteen Penncrest High School students attended, including members of the HCI Optimist Club and teens in the Partners in Excellence™ Mentoring Program. Senior Brita Brant and junior Craig Cassey were among the event speakers. Brant told the audience how much she enjoyed assisting with childcare for HCI’s Parenting Partners™ Workshops. These workshops were held last winter and spring in the four Rose Tree Media elementary schools and in Marple Newtown School District’s Culbertson Elementary School. HCI is looking to expand its Parenting Partners™ offerings into other districts next school year.
Cassey spoke to the crowd about the value of being involved in the HCI Optimist Club at Penncrest. “The Club is a group of individuals who are extremely different, but have at least one common tie – we all want to better our communities, whether it is a community of friends, the community of Media, or the community that is the world. “The fact that a high school group exists that is as diverse as ours and is inclusive to everyone is a true gift in itself. HCI breaks down barriers between all people and unites us in a common cause. This past year, members of the Club collected over a thousand cans for the Philabundance™ canned food drive; baked cookies for the juvenile detention center, helped support a very successful book drive at the Granite Run Mall; assisted with the HCI Community Forum featuring Vince Papale; and organized the HCI Music Festival at Middletown Pride Day. These are just a few of the opportunities to help make a difference that HCI has allowed us to have.”
HCI requires tax-deductible contributions to continue its many outreach programs. Donations may be mailed to: HCI, 14 S. Jackson St., Suite 202, Media PA 19063. For more information, visit www.hcicares.org, call 484-442-8532 or email Janet.HCI@comcast.net.