100 Strong Male Role Models
Kansas City, KS Gave Birth to the Organization Now Going National
It started with 10, then went to 40 and now it is up to 140 and going national. What is 100 Strong?
The Male Influence
Having a strong role model to look up to is very important for teenagers. When that is absent, teens look to Hollywood and Rap stars which leave much to be desired. Stars often get in the news when they break the law and frequently their wealth buys them out of a problem. This is hardly the example we want young teens to emulate. Today, many mothers are trying to raise children alone--both boys and girls. The strong, male role model is missing and teenage boys need and deserve more positive influence in their lives than sports figures and rap lyrics.
Male Teachers
While male teachers may fill a need, there are far too few male teachers. Males are decreasing in the field of education and pursuing careers that earn higher salaries. In addition, boys struggle more academically than girls in school. Add to this the fact that many single parents home live slightly above the poverty line or below it, some males seem to have three strikes against them.
Washington High School
Kansas City, KS is the birthplace of a new movement, 100 Strong Men of Vision program, begun 15 years ago. The program made a little progress and remained small and unnoticed until Dean Scott, English teacher of 30 years became the group's advisor in Baltimore, MD. The first year the group had 10 students enrolled but in just one year it jumped to 40. One year later the group has 140 members. [Gina Davis, Baltimore Sun, April 17, 2007]
Baltimore
Woodland High School in Baltimore was certainly in need of a "make-over". The schools reputation was not exactly stellar.
- 80% failed the state's algebra exam
- 66% failed the English test
- Five principals in ten years
- 40% of students are on free or reduced lunches
- School violence
- High dropout rate
100 Strong
The group is based on the philosophy of sharing and serving. At the beginning of the school year, the group
- sponsored a Teacher Appreciation dinner,
- fed hundreds of families during the holidays
- distributed gifts to children at Christmas
- tutored students who needed extra help
- mentored middle school students with the transition into high school
During a summer leadership camp, the group
- hung posters that had positive messages
- painted bathrooms
- planted gardens
- purchased locks for lockers
Students in the 100 Strong program improve attendance and raise grades. They take pride in who they are. Many are bound for college that once were at-risk of not even graduating. Baltimore senior, Andre Beasley said, "It gives you a greater sense of what it's like to be a role model. When you help people and you realize what you have, you're better able to achieve your own goals." [Gina Davis, Baltimore Sun, April 17, 2007]
The Ripple Effect
Nothing produces success like success. Girls in the school are now forming a female version of 100 Strong and schools from Chicago and New York City are interested in starting a chapter at their schools. This successful venture began with one teacher, Scott, and a supportive and nurturing principal, Don Weglein. As we know, it takes only one person to make a difference in a child's life....in this case, two.
Related articles: Teachers Are Quitting, School Truancy
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
