Drill team keeps kids off deadly streets (Camden, NJ)

I love a good drill team.




Only 49% of children in Camden graduate from high school, one of the lowest rates in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Education. But Jones said all the children who’ve participated in her program — more than 4,000 kids since 1986 — have graduated, and more than 80% of them have gone on to college or technical schools.

“I don’t think people really understand how important it is to have these children succeed as far as graduating from high school,” Jones said. “That’s a big deal in our city.”

In addition to promoting education, Jones makes it mandatory that children commit to 200 hours of community service a year. They also have to write an essay about how to improve their neighborhoods.

“You have to keep that community base,” said Jones, who the children call Wawa. “Keeping your neighborhood clean, helping the elderly, you bring that family feel back to that community. That is what Camden needs.”

FULL ARTICLE: http://wtvr.com/2013/03/29/drill-team-keeps-kids-off-deadly-streets/