In Derrick's own words: "I was born and raised in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas with a population of approx. 5,000; which is in a steady decline and has been recorded as #4 in the U.S. in rising poverty. Growing up in this community, opportunities were LIMITED. The only path I could imagine was not the right choice, it seemed that was the best and only way to something different. Most times, teenagers are often forgotten. It is far easier to cater to and provide supportive activities for smaller children; resulting in the lack of acknowledgment for the teenage group. My safety net has always been basketball, until I was injured and had to let go of my childhood dream of becoming a professional player. It would have benefited me so much to have a mentor to help me get through tough times, academic support to provide me with broader opportunities, even the basic understanding of the importance of positive community engagement in my younger years. The creation of Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership began as a vision from God and because of my life’s journey, my mission was clear. I have been able to provide the support and model of Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Resilience and Perseverance through the organization’s Core 4 Programs- Mentoring, Academics, Athletics, Community Service; which positively changes their perspective on life and increases Faith in God!"
To date, in 6 years of existence, The Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership has approximately 450 youth members. On a weekly basis, Mr. Robinson along with other strong mentors host leadership sessions. Consistency and dedication have permitted AEYL to becoming well-known in various communities; achieving recognition by the City of McKinney, Allen, Plano & Frisco. Through AEYL, Mr. Derrick Robinson has built an extensive partnership with Collin County agencies to include District Courts, Juvenile Detention Centers and ISDs; earning the Follow. Lead. Succeed. Program the accolades of being known as the #1 Juvenile Diversion Program in Collin County. ‘No Excuses’ why a young person in need of support and encouragement should go on without the opportunity of experiencing greater.
Please make note of the following!
Flags go out next Tuesday night June 11 for flag day 4:00-6:30 p.m., please come out and help if you can. We will also be having our annual partner cookout that night at the shed. Bill Smith will be cooking up bbq sandwiches.
Next board meeting is Thursday, June 27th, 7:00 p.m at Mitas Group Office. All outgoing and incoming board members should plan to attend.
The End-of-Year Recognition Banquet & Installation of Incoming Officers/Directors 2019-20 will be held on Sunday, June 23 at Eldorado Country Club at 6:00 PM. All McKinney Sunrise and Sunset Rotarians and their guests are invited. If you are an outgoing or incoming officer/director, you are expected to attend to participate in the ceremonies. A sign-up sheet of attendees will be available at a future meeting, and Dennis will bill the cost of the banquet on a future dues invoice. The Sunrise Rotary Club will not meet on Wednesday June 26 and the satellite Sunset Rotary Club will not meet on Thursday, July 4 because of the national holiday. Both meetings will be moved to the June 23 recognition and installation banquet.
The All-Abilities Playground is set to open up on June 15, 2019. Ceremony is set to start at 9:00 a.m. and the celebration will start at 10:30 a.m. at Bonnie Wenk Park. Address is 2996 Virginia Pkwy. We would like to see as many members of the club there as possible so please keep this event in mind.
Rusty Gentry and John Kanelis have both applied to become new members, please direct any comments you may have to a member of the board.
If you have announcements that need to be included in the bulletin, please email to Scott. sdgrigg@hotmail.com
Don't forget, the time is almost here. We would like to have as many club members as possible there for the grand opening. Please come out if you can. If it rains, alternate date is June 22nd.
