​The second annual Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) celebration honored young thinkers, movers and shakers in Davie County who are taking initiative in making this community a better place.  15 semifinalists were recognized for their outstanding ideas, with ten finalists* receiving checks for $1,000 each.

Enjoy this video capturing the insiring moments from the DRI Awards Ceremony. These are incredibly inspiring young citizens of Davie County who are committed to make a positive difference.

Meet the Top 15
Learn about their project ideas

Josh Robinson* (17)

​As captain of the DCHS football team, Josh will distribute “RESPECT” wristbands to the team, “as a reminder of how we should treat others.” It can spread far beyond Davie High… but it starts here.
​

Rachel Quance* (15)

Create a website that lists all places in Davie County where one can volunteer. “This creates chances to volunteer, to step up and show respect through serving others in a variety of places.”

Madi Rogers* (14)

​Create an awareness campaign of how to practice respect while driving. “I hope my project will inspire people to look beyond themselves and think about what they do and how it affects others.”

Mia Clair Myers* (12)

​Create vinyl posters, using her own tools, to decorate school halls with uplifting quotes and sayings. “Words are powerful, words can inspire, words can encourage, and words can motivate others to make positive choices.”

Blake Roscoe* (12)

​Be the Encourager! This is a school project that can help 20 students. Encouragers will write letters to other students to boost confidence and let them know someone believes in them.

Journey Bowman* (12)

​POP – the Power of Positivity. A group at school will come together and write caring notes to place in other students’ lockers. It will make a difference in their day, let them know they are important and in turn, they might also choose to make a difference in someone else’s day.

Cassidy Kluttz* (17)

Educate youth with presentations about the Respect Puzzle – which contains the essential pieces of respect. The puzzle presentation includes self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment.

​Savannah Ivey* (14)

Create a video that will show others how to respond respectfully in emergency situations. “We don’t have to be bystanders, we can all help when we know how.”

Jacob Chan (14)
​for Sugar Valley Civil Air Patrol Squadron*

Orchestrate presentations from emergency respondents to share and give their insights about respect to the general public. Their stories and examples can help educate and uplift the community as a whole.  ​

​Savannah Jones (17)

​Partner with Family Promise which serves the families of those affected by homelessness. The aim is to give a gift, something to hold onto to provide “stability and hope” for the children of homeless families. 

​Kaitlyn Roscoe (17)

​​Gather up a small youth team to travel to local nursing homes. In order to spread respect, the teams will visit, carol during the holidays, coordinate game nights and other activities. 

Deanna Torres (20)

​Host a multi-cultural event in Davie County to embrace the different ethnic groups that reside in the community. “Not everyone shares the same beliefs or norms, however we are all entitled to expression.”

​​Kaitlyn Roscoe (17)
​for Catalyst Club* (A Youth Group)

The Fuel For Change
The Catalyst Club welcomes all. They conduct an annual craft sale to raise money for a local charity. This cultivates respect by unifying different people for a common goal.

​Keelyn Oakes (15)

​Collaborate with elementary school students in Davie to write a book on respect. Get their input on what respect looks like in practice. “Respect is more than just an action, it should be a mindset.”

Annalise Walterman (16)​

​Create a Respect Club. It will spread respect by encouraging others to be positive and changing the way that many people today think about others.

​Way to Go

to Increase Respect
​
and Lead the Way!

If you would like to support the projects of these bright, young people or support the DRI in other ways,
​e-mail Initiaterespect1@gmail.com.  

Enjoy this article published in Davie County Enterprise Record.