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It was an auspicious evening, Thursday, November 10, 2022, two days after election day and one day before Veteran’s Day. In the Commissioner’s Conference Room, County Manager, Brian Barnett, awarded certificates, wooden “Respect Matters” medallions and $1,000.00 checks to the three, 3rd quarter Ambassadors of Respect for the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) Challenge. The program opened with the Sugar Valley Composite Squadron Color Guard Team demonstrating Respect through the Presentation of the Colors, during which they skillfully performed complicated drill movements. The DRI challenge is not only for youth 12-21, but groups or clubs are also encouraged to enter. In the 5 year history of the DRI, this is only the second group to enter. The volunteer panel unanimously selected the Color Guard Team for its demonstration of Respect. Cadet Technical Sergeant Soto, the Color Guard Captain, shared that: “The main purpose of the Color Guard team is to show respect, not only to our organization by carrying the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) flag, but also to our great nation through the bearing of the U.S. flag as well. The Color Guard team is able to demonstrate one of CAP’s core values, Respect, by presenting the Colors at ceremonies and events such as this." Addison Hamilton: “This is my 5th month in CAP. Already, the respect given to me and the respect I’ve given has really had an impact on me. I’ve learned how important it is to respect one another while being part of a team.” Veronica Martinez, Cadet Commander of the Sugar Valley Composite Squadron: “Through the CAP program, we not only get to see how respect is given, but also how it is received. CAP shows us that we need to give respect to our teammates and subordinates in addition to those in authority over us. We've always been told that respect is simply treating others the way we want to be treated. I think it's time we start doing just that.” Jacob Chan: “As one of our most important and all-encompassing core values, respect is invaluable to us. As symbolized in the Color Guard, with the national and regional flag in the middle—guarded by two rifles—we want to mirror the image of the sacrifice and protection that our veterans offer for us. Attributing honor and delegating respect to our community is our mission.” Following the presentation of the Colors, Brian Barnett announced Ellie Prillaman, a 13-year-old student from South Middle School as an Ambassador of Respect. In Ellie’s words, “I show respect when I look the person in the eye when they are talking. Respect is also recognizing when people are being ignored or forgotten and including them.” Ellie’s winning idea is to create “large splatter paintings” for 10 people at Davie Place Nursing Home. When she delivers a painting, Ellie will have the opportunity to visit and get to know the resident. Ellie plans to coordinate with the nursing home staff when choosing the residents; she wants to provide paintings for those that may need more support. There was a sample of one of Ellie’s “splatter paintings” on the monitor at the Celebration. It was so colorful and cheerful, that anyone would welcome such a work of art! Reagan Brooks was the third Ambassador to receive recognition. Reagan is a Senior at Davie High and the daughter of two teachers. Because she has been in and around schools her whole life, Reagan has observed that most of the classrooms for the students with disabilities have either been located in a separate hallway or off to the side and while she knows that these students need their own environment to thrive, they also need to socialize and be an active part of the school activities like every other student. Throughout high school, it has been Reagan’s mission to include these students, including with her dance team. The new dance team coach happens to be the Special Ed Teacher so this has allowed many opportunities for Reagan to jump start her project. The “Soaring Eagles” would come in on Fridays and dance with the team. Seeing how excited the Soaring Eagles were to be dancing with the team, just reinforced Reagan’s thoughts of inclusion. “My project’s goal is to make sure that not only the students at my school, but all people living with neurodivergence feel comfortable in their skin and know that they are loved, seen and heard.” The County Manager and Executive Assistant to the County, the friends and family of the awardees and the DRI Team were all very inspired by these young adults and the difference they are making in Davie County. Do you know a young person or Davie County youth group between the ages of 12-21, “doing good, being kind, or showing respect” to people, animals or the environment? Empower our youth by encouraging them to apply to the Davie Respect Initiative or by anonymously nominating them here. The next quarter ends on December 31st, the due date for applications. Young individuals as well as DC youth groups can apply on their own or after having been nominated. Email comments or questions to initiaterespect1@gmail.com.
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By Macey Smith This article was first published in Davie County Enterprise Record
Check out our 12/2021 article in DavieLiFE Magazine by clicking on the image below.  Ambassadors of Respect: Teens awarded cash for recognizing elderly, tutoring, creating smiles12/16/2021 This article was originally published at the Davie County Enterprise Record by Mike Barnhardt on December 2, 2021. One girl has a special feeling for the elderly, who may be feeling alone or unworthy. Another understands that sometimes the best teachers for teens are other teens. And yet another sends positive vibes via special characters. All three – Amilea Redmon, Hannah Watson and Journey Bowman – received $1,000 from the Davie Respect Initiative to continue their good deeds as “Ambassadors of Respect.” Click here to continue reading or to listen to this article.  Year end applications due December 31st! Congratulations New Ambassadors of Respect! Meet three young ladies who are each in their own way demonstrating respect in the community!  Journey Bowman is a returning Ambassador of Respect, receiving the recognition for a second time! This go around, Journey's project is her Senior Spotlight piece in the Davie County Enterprise Record which is a regular feature highlighting the lives and contributions of local seniors. Journey continues to be an active Ambassador of Respect!
 Hannah Watson looked around her and noticed that there were students who were falling behind in their studies. As a natural problem solver, she decided to start a peer tutoring program to bring students together to help one another. After getting started, it became clear that students were not only tutoring one another, but they are coming together and getting to know one another. Hannah also recently had the opportunity as a newly minted Ambassador of Respect, to meet with a visitor to the community from Harare, Zimbabwe. Cheu Pswarayi is a business woman and overall problem solver who, a number of years ago, was listed on the Forbes Magazine Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 in Africa. Of her experience meeting with Cheu, Hannah remarked, "I was so thankful for the experience to meet with Cheu and listen to another successful woman in STEM." Cheu works with healthcare access in Africa and Hannah is planning to pursue a degree in Biomedical Tech and Engineering in order to help people around the world. These ladies hope to reconnect when Hannah graduates and she says she would love to be able to work for Cheu someday. Inspiring young women connecting around the globe!  Ambassadors of Respect Savannah Ivey, Salem Taylor, Mary Cain and Journey Bowman represent DRI in Mocksville Christmas Parade.
“Our Family Loves Corn Hole!” said a very animated Mary Cain. Mary was the recipient of a $1,000 check and Ambassador of Respect (AoR) award from the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) for her idea of designing and building corn hole sets for the non profit, Family Promise. “Doing recreation together as a family is very important; it helps bind the family. My project focused on the unmet recreation needs for families experiencing homelessness while living in housing provided by Family Promise of DC (FPDC). Recreation and family time are always important to maintain mental and physical health and are shown to reduce stress which is an underlying issue for families experiencing homelessnes,” observed the 16 year old Ambassador of Respect. Mary met with Lisa Foster, the Executive Director of FPDC to determine the needs of Davie families experiencing homelessness and devised a plan to make and deliver the corn hole sets. The plan was very well thought out and executed from the research she had done to find agencies that provide for those experiencing homelessness, to the planning meeting with Lisa Foster FPDC), to reviewing the corn hole plans with Mark Eaton, Davie County Schools Technical Advisor, and to recruiting volunteers/construction assistants from her Girl Scout Troop 41172. Here is just part of her timeline: 6/28/2020 - Emailed Lisa Foster at FPDC to begin planning and volunteer enlistment 7/6 - Planning interview with Lisa Foster 7/8 - Emailed Mark Eaton corn hole plans 10/12 - Purchased lumber and hardware, cut lumber to size 10/13,14 - Drill and finish cuts, install hardware and sanded rough edges 10/24 - Corn hole set assembly 11/7 - Final sand and prep for painting 11/21 - First coat of paint Dec., January, February - More coats of paint, graphics, developing tips and tricks for corn hole 3/13/2021 - Actual delivery of the corn hole boards to Lisa Foster!!!! “This is a Joyous Day!” exclaimed David Bone, County Manager of DC after presenting Mary with her Ambassador of Respect certificate and $1,000 check at the Headquarters of Family Promise. Like Mary, David has a scouting background including being a scout leader and mentor, as well as having 3 sons who have achieved Eagle Scout status. “I applaud you for finding a project that will not only make a difference in our community, but is so meaningful to you personally.” Cheerful bright blue and purple corn hole sets can be found at each of the FPDC locations. According to Lisa Foster, “Mary was so great to work with. She presented this wonderful idea to me and had all of the details sorted out herself. Having fun family activities for families in our program makes such a huge impact. It was clear to me how much Mary cares about her community and others throughout this project.” Mary is a true leader who respects all and is greatly respected by all. Congratulations, Mary, for increasing the amount of Respect in Davie County!  Do you know a young person or Davie County youth group between the ages of 12-21 “doing good, being kind, or showing respect” to people, animals or the environment? Empower our youth by anonymously nominating them. Up to three new Ambassadors of Respect may be selected by the volunteer selection panel each quarter. The next quarter ends on December 31st, and individual youths and DC youth groups can apply on their own or after having been nominated. Email comments or questions to initiaterespect1@gmail.com.
  Fall is coming, school has started and the Davie Respect Initiative is going strong! Congratulations to the newest Ambassadors of Respect! We'd like to introduce you to two young people who are terrific examples of the power and impact of respect! Click here to read our full newsletter. On Saturday, June 13, TRU Taekwondo, in partnership with the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI), sponsored a free self defense seminar for teen and adult women. Participants were asked to bring a donation for the Dragonfly House. Read more here- a wonderful article, just published by the Davie County Enterprise Record. “One of the things that impressed me so much about Davie County is the capacity to support, to grow, to build leaders and to help their fellow men and women. To be part of the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) is such an honor and a pleasure.” David Bone, county manager, who has been in Davie County 4.5 months, shared these sentiments at the DRI awards ceremony on May 5 where he presented award checks to the two newest Ambassadors of Respect. Read more here: a recent article by Mike Barnhardt in Davie County Enterprise Record about the recognition of our newest Ambassadors of Respect: Kathryn Anderson and Maddie Kulis.
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