Lifelong behavior patterns regarding education and health are shaped during early adolescence. Young people who learn peaceful conflict management, ethical behavior, and the use of social support systems have a greater opportunity to grow into productive, caring, informed adults. Here are just a few of our success stories…


One of the student-athletes going through Athletes Against Drugs' college preparatory program is Adam Cushing, a former football player at Mount Carmel who is a freshman at the University of Chicago.


'It has given me the opportunity to play football and get the best education possible,' Cushing said. 'I have a scholarship worth almost $30,000 and look forward to taking part in more Athletes Against Drugs events in the future while coaching Little League baseball.'


U. of C. football coach Dick Maloney said he was sold on Cushing's profile.

"These kids are first-rate, super human beings and leaders,' Maloney said. 'I would love to have 50 Adam Cushings on my team."


Mount Carmel coach Frand Lenti said the U. of C. is a perfect fit for Cushing.

"Adam is a quality person and a role model, I can't say enough about him."


Chicago Sun-Times, 12/13/98

"Dear AAD, my name is Terrance White and I want to thank you for showing me how to do my work. With your help I can now do math, reading, and other subjects. I have gotten smarter and have really improved in my subjects at school. So thank you very much. Your program has many great tutors who help me with my work. I hope that this program will still be available next year, and that I will be allowed to participate in it. Thank you."


Terrance White, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, my name is DeMarius Daniels and I attend Daniel Webster Elementary School. I want to thank you for letting me participate in the program. This program has helped me with subjects like math, and reading that I needed help in. I am able to complete my homework with the help of the tutors. Attending the program at Robert Morris College has given me a college atmosphere.

Thank you once again for your hospitality."

DeMarius Daniels, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, I want to say thank you for letting Daniel Webster come to Robert Morris on Saturdays. The tutors there help us on our work and help us improve our grades. I learn a lot of things from the tutors. The tutor that helps me the most is Stacey. I learn a lot from her.

Each Friday night I get myself prepared to get up and go to Robert Morris College. I feel that AAD program is preparing me for my future. Thank you so much AAD."

Jeanine McCaskill, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, I want to thank you for your help. Since I've been with this program I can now read better. Now when I do my work I know what I'm doing. I will do my best in everything now that I know what I am doing.

My favorite thing about this program is when we go to Robert Morris College on Saturdays. It is so much fun. The tutors help me on all of my homework. After they help me I know how to do it. They also teach me to stay on them books, do my best, and know that I can do it.

Thank you so much AAD."

Richard Frazier, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, thank you for helping me in my homework and other schoolwork. I'm writing you this letter to let you know that I'm thankful for your coorporation. I'm glad you're sponsoring this program on Saturdays because, it gives me a chance to experience a new neighborhood. I like this program because it not only gives me a chance to have fun, it also allows me to develop my skills and giving me the opportunity to be helped by geniuses."

Shamika Mack, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, My name is Jakina Dortch and I'm an 8th grader at Daniel Webster. I'm writing this letter to thank you. This letter is a symbol of my gratitude and appreciation to you and your program. Your program has provided many things not only to me, but also for each and every student that comes. For example, you have provided us with intelligent tutors. You have also provided us with another environment other than our school for us to learn, study, and have fun. Not only do we learn and have fun, but we meet other people that we don't know. This program also gives us somewhere we can go on Saturdays and not be in the streets. This program keeps us away from gangs or anything that will damage our future. It encourages us to be self-confident for the future.

Overall, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for us including this program. This is an important program and should continue forever. I wish there were more programs like this one. Thank you."


Jakina Dortch, Daniel Webster Elementary

Teacher Testimonies

"I'm writing this letter to thank AAD for the many activities you make available to the students of Daniel Webster Elementary School. The children enjoy the curriculum, which you provide. They especially like the idea that there is a connection between their physical health and how well they perform academically. I have set aside a time slot each week to work on the curriculum."


"In addition, many of the students rarely have the opportunity to leave their community. In fact, many never venture outside a seven-block area because of gang and drug activities. The trips you organize through AAD are a welcome reprieve. Your organization has a positive influence on my students. In fact I have witnessed an increase in academic performance of the students who participate in the program - especially those who have the opportunity to interact with the mentors you send to our classroom."


Muhammad Abdullah, Teacher, Daniel Webster Elementary

" I am very happy with the AAD Program as I have seen positive progress in the students' reading abilities and I look forward to continue having additional help from the AAD program outside the classroom."

Ms. Burt, Teacher, Daniel Webster Elementary

"There is definitely a big difference with my students. Five out of six students actually improved as well as a noticeable change in attitude."

Ms. Hankes, Teacher, Daniel Webster Elementary

" The students are trying harder, at least making an effort and are turning in their homework."

Ms. Lewis, Teacher, Daniel Webster Elementary

Principal

"To AAD,

A worthy partnership is formed when two groups work together for a common cause. The mission set forth by Daniel Webster Elementary School and Athletes Against Drugs is to promot literate, responsible young people in the learning community.

The tutorial project implemented this year, under the outstanding leadership and visionary guidance of Alicia M. Straughter, has opened the door to learning for many of the youth at Webster.

As our children gleefully report to school on Saturdays to travel to Robert Morris College, the lesson to take responsibility for learning is reinforced. Children are eager to build and expand their knowledge and spend time enjoying the company of wonderful, motivated young adult role models.

Daily our children in 4th - 6th grade participate in tutorial groups, designed by the classroom teachers and implememted by AAD sponsored tutors.

Our thanks and gratitude is given to Mr. Stedman Grahman, the Board of Directors and the membership of AAD for their support and kindness to the young people of the Webster School community."

Educationally yours,

Edith Allen-Coleman, Principal