Stay in School Program succeeds in encouraging the youth

 

(Left to Right) Officer Adam Moore w/ LAPD officers, Renee Smith President of SSEYTADO, Ron Hasson Branch President and SW Area Director of Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP, Steven McKeever Hidden Beach Records CEO, Ron Cole President of Project Accountability, Angela Evans President of Crenshaw Christian Center, Deputy Chief Patrick Gannon and Captain Dennis H. Kato of LAPD (Brian Carter for Sentinel)

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, LAPD and guest speakers join the kids in the festivities (Brian Carter for Sentinel)

The program uses music, entertainment and influential leaders to help children learn the value of education.

By Brian W. Carter
Sentinel Staff Writer

If you were anywhere near Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) June 4, all you heard was “Stay In School” from the voices of young children. Renee Smith, President of the Stay in School- Empower the Youth- The American Dream Organization (SSEYTADO) presented an all-out, energized and kid-oriented extravaganza celebrating education and children.

The event was attended by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, California Assemblyman Mike Davis, representatives for California Assemblyman Warren Furutani and Councilwoman Jan Perry, Project Accountability President Ron Cole, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Hidden Beach Records CEO Steven McKeever and Superior Financial Group CEO Tim Jochner.

Education was the reason for much celebration at the CCC auditorium packed with over a hundred kids from McKinley Elementary School, 75th Street Elementary School, 68th Street Elementary School, St. Michaels Elementary, 112th Street Elementary School, Budlong Avenue Elementary School, Raymond Avenue Elementary School and South Park Elementary School.

Dignified officials, LAPD and CEOs handed out proclamations and awards to outstanding students awarded for Best Academic Improvement, Perfect Attendance and Outstanding Academic Achievement.

The kids were rewarded as they partied to the sounds of 2 Krayze & His Band, featuring Oliver Brown of K.C. & the Sunshine Band, and Juan (UglyFingers) of Club Nouveau. Also featured at the event was saxophonist Angelo Luster w/band and Smart Kids Dance 2.

The atmosphere was fun and carefree but the emphasis was on encouraging kids to stay in school and having a successful future. SSEYTADO and LAPD officer, Adam Moore, has sponsored many programs at school assemblies reaching at-risk youth all over.

Smith started SSEYTADO targeting inner-city children throughout the United States due to high dropout rates. Studies have shown kids that dropout of school are more likely to end up unemployed. She decided to blend music and film with educational tools to boost kids’ self-esteem and garner interest in getting a college education.

Congresswoman Waters was happy to lend her time to the event, joining in the festivities and talking to the youth. She encouraged the youth to stay in school, get an education and listen to wisdom.

“I want you to know, there are a lot of people who love you,” said Waters. “Of course, your parents, many of your neighbors, and ministers but there a lot of people that you don’t know…who care so much about you, who love you and want you to be successful.”

Assemblyman Mike Davis, who was also present, had some words of wisdom to share with the children. “If you stay in school, my hope is that you have the kind of education that will be complete, “said Davis, “and any human being with a complete education knows…who am I…why I’m here…where I came from…and they have the intelligence to plan where I go from here.”

Deputy Chief Patrick Gannon of the South Bureau division lended his support with LAPD officers. “It’s a great event,” said Gannon, ” and for this young man [2 Krayze] to be able to demonstrate how staying in school and working hard equals a great education and success in life…you couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”

“These kids are smart and these kids want,” said Smith, “but they don’t have the opportunity and they don’t have the where withal to get it…we want people in the community who are leaders to come in and let these kids know that somebody does care about them.”

The event was a success and about 800 children know that someone does care about them. The SSEYTADO is a successful program that will continue to inspire, encourage and liberate young minds.