Our schools were rocking this month we brought Seth Franco, Vai Sikahema, Garry Cobb and Reggie Dabbs to implement our Healthy Relationships and anti-bullying programs. We had the privilege of visiting 61 schools for a total of 73 programs and 21 family events. It was an action-packed, exciting time. Below is the student handout detailing healthy relationships and also some common misconceptions about bullying that are included in our programs.
2012, what a great start to the year. This year promises to be remarkably productive, and just out of the gate, we have already brought tens of thousands of students our character ed and anti-bullying campaigns. In January we were on the road with Reggie Dabbs, Chris Hollyfield and Brian Propp. Although you’re probably familiar with Reggie, here is a brief background and some words from educators regarding Chris and Brian’s programs:
“Chris Hollyfield was an excellent motivator to our students. His message of tolerance and not letting obstacles interfere with the things he can accomplish in life was carried throughout our entire school.” Matthew J. Mazzoni,Principal
“Never before have I seen a team as powerful as The Youth Alliance in evoking deep reflection and providing the most thought provoking production in a room of over 400 middle school students.” You all are truly amazing!!” Mrs. Le Andrea Ware, Principal
Brian Propp (born February 15, 1959) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the NHL from 1979 until 1994. He also worked as a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Flyers for nine seasons, finishing in 2008.
Propp holds a very dubious achievement in that he went to the Stanley Cup Finals five times, with Philadelphia in 1980, 1985, and 1987, with the Boston Bruins in 1990 and with Minnesota in 1991, without ever winning a Stanley Cup. He also played in the NHL All-Star game five times.
During the NHL labour stoppage in 1994, Propp played as a player-coach for HC Anglet in France. After the lockout, however, Propp did not return as a player to the NHL.
Propp finished with 1,004 points over 1,016 NHL games over 15 NHL seasons, and ranks second in Flyers history in goals (369, behind Bill Barber), second in assists (480, a distant second behind Bobby Clarke), and third overall in games played in a Flyers uniform (behind Barber and Clarke).
Chris Hollyfield is a motivational speaker, actor, and business owner. In addition, he has been on ESPN, 60 minutes, Dateline NBC, and Primetime Live. You may also know him as “Little Boogeyman” on WWE Smack Down. In addition to his acting, Chris is also the founder of 3D T.E.A.M. and works with kids encouraging them to do their best at everything they do. He is a little person with a huge heart. He gives back to his community and definitely knows what bullying is…Measuring 4-foot-4, an unprecedented motivational speaker, he is perceived as an undersized man in an oversized world, and maximizes his visual difference to help students recognize, and avoid, teasing and bullying among their peers. Chris has an enormous impact on kids because of his experiences and accomplishments in life.
Through our new anti-bullying campaign and website (www.livingbullyfree.com), we have embarked on a new, thought-provoking angle of our character education services. This multi-faceted program instantly takes an active role in students’ lives, as evidenced by the tremendous feedback and social networking trail of student responses to the programs that pour in after any given event. This influence is compounded by the opportunity to share with the faculty and staff of the schools through workshops and also with the parents at family nights held across many school districts. Faculty responses have likewise been overwhelming, with feedback like, ”Finally, professional development from the classroom perspective from like someone who has obviously taught.” And, ”This training wasn’t just ‘in theory’ but real and applicable.” We were able to end the year serving 23 cities where every kids K-12 heard a valuable message on how to stand against bullying along with there schools staff. Check out for yourself what some kids had to say:
“You spoke at My High School today, and I have to say, you are an amazing speaker. You touched the hearts of many and some even cried at some point, including me. Now I know that if I do see someone being bullied, I’m stepping in and helping that victim by telling an adult. I’ve heard of many cases of kids taking their lives because of bullying and it kills me that I cant do anything about it. What can I do to help?
Thank you for opening my eyes out to the harms of bullying. I really appreciate it, as did everyone else that heard you”
“You came to my school today. I walked into the auditorium thinking we were getting another lecture on drugs and alcohol. Instead I walked into the best day I’ve had in a long time.
You see, I’m a mean person. I’m mean to everyone around me to cover up my pain. I have trouble at home. When I was younger my life was hell. There was so much physical abuse in my life. Now I’m stuck with emotional abuse and I can tell you one thing…I’d rather have the life beaten out of me…
I consider suicide almost every day. I cry myself to sleep almost every night. My mother lives 700 miles away, my dad’s in and out of jail, and my grandparents…well…I’m just not good enough for them. In order to keep these feelings inside, I bully other kids. Today you made me realize that I could be the reason some girl cries herself to sleep every night. I could be the reason another boy kills himself. You made me realize that I need a change. I was nice to everyone after listening to you. It felt good to look at the girl who sits by herselfat lunch in silence, the girl who has no friends, the girl who gets picked on by everyone…by me..everyday and say “You look really nice today”. Like you said, everyone deserves to be loved. Though I don’t get much love at home, I know there’s someone out there who does love me. Thank you so much for coming to my school today. “
“Thanks for coming to Vineland High school today. It was really amazing. I mean, I’ve seen you before at other schools. I think today, however, I really loved this assembly on bullying. For some reason, it impacted a lot of students, who honestly, I didn’t think we’re going any care over the subject. Thanks for making a difference in Vineland. It really helps!”
“So, today you came to my school , and I’ve seen you at least 3 times and every time you never fail to make me think, and you never fail to inspire me. So thank you, because of you I make it a point to smile and compliment everyone.”
“I just wanted to thank you for coming to my high school today. You really inspired me to do something big, and it starts with me helping the younger kids and the teens who really need help. I want to be part of the help, I want to help kids break free from their prison chains which is held by fear and loneliness. The story you told us about your friend tony took a lot of courage to say because he recently passed away and I’m sorry for your loss. It truly did speak out to me with everything you did from the story to the performance done by the Australian teens (which was really good). I don’t know if you here it a lot, but just thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you will do, it takes a lot of courage to do it. I’ve seen you before but never personally talk to you, and I would like to. I want to help people the same way you do, I want to change people lives for the better and have people see things in a different light. “
“my name is ____________. im 16 years old and go to ________ public high school in NJ. And I wanna thank you!!! you changed my whole perspective on life. everyday go through life blaming my self for everything.. Even my only sisters death when I was 6(died in car crash at age 19)…this morning I couldnt take it anymore so i grabbed a knife and was about to kill myself, but wasnt strong enough to… so i went to school and when i sat down and listened to u it made me think if i leave now ill never know what im gonna become or who i will be hurting if i die so now 15 hours later im a better and new person who doesnt have to blam everything on herself.life will be boring without me (so says my friends lol)and i know im here for a reason i just have to find that reason. Most importantly im now here because of u so thank you!! for doing what you do AND SAVING MY LIFE!! I dont know if i could ever repay you, but i can start by thanking you and hope thats enough:), from a new and better person.”
“Im a student of VHS thanks for coming today, I was once a victim of being bullied and had those thoughts of ending my life . But I overcame that and why you may ask , because of you, your words inspired me. Thanks so much. “
As the principal of an elementary school in South Jersey, I typically don’t schedule assemblies but I would schedule Reggie Dabbs again. I was told he was worth the time and he was! Without a hestitation, I would recommend him. Patrice Taylor, Principal Clayton Public schools
That’s all we can say. Your probably saying where have you been, well for 3 months we were serving 37 school districts , doing 32 family nites , 26 family dinners and speaking to over 162,000 students and families! Yes that’s one hundred and sixty two thousand students with 4 of our communicators Seth Franco, Reggie Dabbs, Preston Centuolo and Vai Sikahema and our anti- bullying campaign. So for this update I thought I would let the faculty, students and parents say it all this time.
“My name is Adam Fender and I am the assistant principal at Kenston Middle School where you spoke at this past Tuesday 11/9/11. That afternoon, two related students went home and told their mother about a young man (sixth grader) who has been talking about ending his life due to bullying. The mother called the school to inform us of the situation and so we followed through. After investigating the situation, it turns out that the boy has been verbally abused not only by other students, but also by his parents. He created a list on his computer of many negative remarks made to him by various people with at closing remark that said “my life is worthless”. When I asked the two initial students why the decided to tell their mother what was happening, they both stated that You inspired them to tell someone what was going on.”
“The Youth Alliance is a wonderful resource for all schools to assist in addressing the recent HIB legislation that went into effect this school year. Our school had the pleasure of having Vai Sikahema, former Philadelphia Eagle and Channel 10 Sports Director, in to speak with our students and parents. I can tell you that as the Principal of Veterans Memorial School, I believe we are a better, more informed school after the assembly. Vai had an amazing effect on our students and I honestly believe, reached many of our students. We have used The Youth Alliance in the past, and we will continue to in the future. I urge all schools to look into one of their programs…..you won’t be disappointed! ….Mario Olsen, Princpal
I’m a student from Buena Regional High School and I’m really happy you came to our school today. I’ve seen you a few times now but I love hearing that your coming”. That 8th grade girl you told us about did have alot of nerve because even though I thought of each of those things before, I would never have the guts to say it in front of anyone and after hearing the story, it made me feel so much better to know I wasn’t alone. It’s not that my family life is bad don’t get me wrong I just don’t really succeed in anything I do but after hearing your speech over and over I know to “Never give up!” I wanted to thank you. But other than you just coming to the high school, I wanted to thank you for performing for the Buena Regional Middle School. My brother is in 6th grade this year and things have been hard on him. He gets into fights everywhere but school and he has alot of friends but alot of them are fake and he does wish sometimes like the little girl. You don’t know how much it kills me inside when he says he only takes up space and there’s no reason as to why he should have been born… especially because people pick on him and he’s not a bad kid he’s pretty cool when you know him so he loves you and you’ve definitely given him inspiration and pointed him in the right direction so thank you so much , not only for brightening my day today, but also my brother’s =)
“Vai Sikahema, former Philadelphia Eagles player, sports director at Philadelphia’s NBC10 TV and the host of “Wednesday’s Child,” a segment promoting the adoption of children, visited the area recently to deliver an anti-bullying message, said Jennifer Frederico, Petway principal.
Sikahema’s presentation, which included his personal experiences with bullying, was shared with all students, said Frederico. The visit was arranged through cooperation with the The Youth Alliance as part of the district’s anti-bullying initiative. In addition to Petway, Sikahema visited Veterans Memorial School Oct. 28 and will speak at Wallace Middle School on Jan. 4. According to Frederico, Sikahema’s interactive presentation targets both prevention and intervention, empowering students to recognize, refuse and report bullying. In the evening, Sikahema presented his motivational assembly to the Petway parents. A dinner was provided, for the evening event, through a generous NJEA PRIDE in Education grant. During the evening event, Seth Franco, a former Harlem Globetrotter who is making similar presentations in district schools, made a surprise visit, said Frederico. Franco visited Landis School on Oct. 29 and Rossi School on Oct. 24. “He (Franco) spoke to the parents and students about overcoming adversity even when it is difficult,” said Frederico. “He spoke of perseverance and effort related to reaching your goals. He also entertained everyone with his many basketball talents explaining that after a significant injury (which prevented him from a career in professional basketball he practiced and practiced developing the many tricks which led to his time with the Harlem Globetrotters.” Frederico said both men made a “true connection” with the school’s students and parents. “They are phenomenal individuals who believe in helping children see their potential,” she said. “Petway staff has had a strong focus on character education through our Pathway to Patriot Pride Program,” said Frederico. “Through the development of character skills and powerful role-models, our students will learn the importance of recognizing and stopping bullying in our school.” “Vai Sikahema connected with the students, sharing real life experiences the children could understand,” she said. “His message —’everyone can make a difference’ — was powerful. Our students learned how to stand together to end bullying.”
” I was at Atlantic city high school. Yhu are so inspirational. Yhu made me laugh & cry,just thinking about some if the things Yhu said made me think of myself. I really wanted to come see yhu again tonight but sadly I couldn’t. I just wanted to thanking for giving me an assembly I will nvrr forget & that was so inspiring & inspirational. honestly I love yhu !
The Youth Alliances Fourth Annual William F. MIlam Celebrity Banquet will be held Friday, December 2, 2011.
Vai Sikahema will host the evening and guests include Reggie Dabbs, Dave “The Hammer” Shultz, Seth Franco, Keith Elias, Brian Propp, Irving Fryar, Barrett Brooks and Adam Bruckner.
The evening will begin at 6 PM and include celebrity meet and greet, banquet dinner and silent auction.
It will be held at Merighi’s Savoy Inn at 4940 E. Landis Avenue in East Vineland.
As the school year approaches, we are debuting several new features surrounding our anti-bullying programs. We have unveiled a new website geared towards parents, teachers and educators, www.livingbullyfree.com. When you have a moment, we invite you to browse this site. If you wish to share information about our comprehensive services with your local school district, please call 1-888-480-SJYA and we will mail you our anti-bullying program brochures. Also, feel free to forward the promotional below or link to our site, www.livingbullyfree.com. Check out this and more at www.theyouthalliance.com.
The school year ended with bang as NBC 10 Sports Director and former Philadelphia Eagle Vai Sikahema shared stories of his personal life journey with students. He talked about what it was like immigrating to the United States with English being his second language and his father’s dream for him to become a professional boxer. Students heard about love, commitment, and perseverance as he spoke about the opportunity to play college and then professional football. Check out this and other events at www.theyouthalliance.com or www.sjya.com.
Vai S. Sikahema was born August 29, 1962 in Nukualofa, Tonga. The first Tongan ever to play in the National Football League (NFL), he played running back and kickoff returner for eight seasons, from 1986 to 1993. He played college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars, and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) in the tenth round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He also played for the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring after the 1993 season. Since retiring, he has served as Sports Director for WCAU, the NBC owned-and-operated station in Philadelphia, where he has been since 1994. Vai is also devoting his time as a motivational speaker with The Youth Alliance, sharing in our passion to empower others to be leaders.
Believe it or not, this was year twelve for the Got Game 3on3 basketball tournament where more than 600 young hoop lovers dribbled, shot and dunked the day away. Before tipoff, NBC 10 sports anchor and former Philadelphia Eagles player Vai Sikahema gave a motivational message to the youth as the event’s guest of honor. Athletes hit the court outside Favorites at Vineland and competed in three age divisions: 8-10, 11-13 and age 14 through 12th grade, in addition to dunking and three-point contests. Also new this year we unveiled our 3on3 48-foot trailer that was donated by Giordano’s of Vineland. The trailer doubles as advertising thanks to a 3D graphic wrap donated by 20 local businesses. The bracket boards are also installed right on the truck. Take a look at some of the great pictures of the trailer and the tournament below. Check out this and other events at www.theyouthalliance.com or www.sjya.com.
It’s no surprise that bullying in schools is a hot topic. In fact, I don’t know anybody that hasn’t either encountered or witnessed bullying as a kid. To deal with this issue head-on, we brought in the WWE’s little boogie man Chris Hollyfield. At 4’4″ tall, his personal story of being bullied moves students to a decision point, saying “enough is enough.” We had outstanding feed back from the teachers, administrators and students at the nine schools we visited. Along with us, they feel that it truly made a major impact in the day-to-day choices of students and how they speak and act towards each other.
Chris Hollyfield is a motivational speaker, actor, and business owner. Chris has been in movies such as “Little Giants”, “Bad Boys” 1 and 2, as well as “Gamers”. In addition, he has been on ESPN, 60 minutes, Dateline NBC, and Primetime Live. You may also know him as “Little Boogeyman” on WWE Smack Down. In addition to his acting, Chris is also the founder of 3D T.E.A.M. and works with kids encouraging them to do their best at everything they do. He is a little person with a huge heart. He gives back to his community and definitely knows what bullying is…Measuring 4-foot-4, an unprecedented motivational speaker, he is perceived as an undersized man in an oversized world, and maximizes his visual difference to help students recognize, and avoid, teasing and bullying among their peers. Chris has an enormous impact on kids because of his experiences and accomplishments in life.
We just had an exciting week of school assemblies with the Harlem Globetrotters Seth Franco, we did 21 programs and schools. check out this event and others at www.theyouthalliance.com or www.sjya.com
Seth Franco, former “Globetrotter”, has played for The Court Jesters, The Harlem Wizards, and in 2003 became a Harlem Globetrotter . Seth now travels using his unique basketball routine as a platform to speak encouragement with others. He has worked with such organizations as the NBA, Upward Basketball, and The Youth Alliance.
Franco has performed and shared in schools, prisons, at sporting events, and youth rallies about his life experiences. In the seventh grade, Seth wrote an essay stating that he wanted to be a professional basketball player. He has since been living that dream.
Comments from administrators:
Your presenter, Mr. Seth Franco, was engaging, entertaining and provided a very positive message to our fifth grade students. From the moment he arrived displaying his exuberance and great talent, he had the attention of our faculty and students. As an administrator that researches and arranges school assemblies, I determine the quality of the presentation based on two factors- interaction between presenter and audience, and the response following the assembly. I have to say that we are still receiving positive feedback from students, faculty and even parents about Seth’s visit. That alone speaks volumes on the impact he had on our school.
I truly appreciate your efforts and I look forward to working with you in the future.
Yours truly,
Lenny Long
Assistant Principal
Warren E. Sooy, Jr. Elementary
Once again The Youth Alliance delivers! On February 7th, 2011, Seth Franco visited our school and put on an outstanding assembly. From the time he walked into the room to the time he left, students were captivated. Seth was interactive with the students as they entered the auditorium creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere. He shared his story of adversity and it really inspired our students. We are so appreciative of The youth alliance staff for bringing another star performance to our school providing a forum for students to hear and learn about issues they are facing each day. The Youth Alliance director was in attendance as usual and never misses an assembly which speaks volumes about his dedication and commitment to the success of the program. There programs are in such high demand, we are already planning for next year’s amazing assembly for the students. Thank you so much Youth Alliance and Seth Franco. Four days later….still a buzz throughout the building. That’s what it is all about.
Brian Propp (born February 15, 1959) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 15 seasons in the NHL from 1979 until 1994. He also worked as a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Flyers for nine seasons, finishing in 2008.
