Fourteen years ago, as school principal Frederica Wilson was driving to school, she was shocked to find herself hoping that one her more disruptive students would be absent that day. The thought caused her to start asking questions, and eventually asking for help. Her initial effort has become the 5000 Role Models of Excellence and has helped more than 15,000 troubled young men.

"The program is funded by the [Miami] school system and by private and corporate sponsors. Its components are many: workshops; scholarships; a basketball tournament; peer, group and one-on-one mentoring; and field trips, including to those opposite poles of black male potential; colleges and penitentiaries."

Kionne McGhee participated in the program. While in school he was suspended 47 times and was labeled emotionally handicapped. Today, he's an assistant state attorney.

Parents, teachers, and other role models can find help and information about adolescent drug treatment at Adolescent-Susbstance-Abuse.com.

Labels: influences, mentoring, role_models