“Dare to have dreams with purpose,” Project Thunder Director Randall Johnson told the mentoring program’s children at the 2007-2008 school year’s closing ceremonies on June 21 at the Poughkeepsie Middle School.
State Sen. Stephen Saland and Family Court Judge Peter Forman were among the dignitaries who participated in Project Thunder this past school year. Johnson told the Beat that Vassar College provided support, including tutors, throughout the year. He especially thanked Ed Pittman, Peter Leonard and Chris Roellke.
Surrogate Court Judge James D. Pagones was scheduled to address the closing ceremonies but was forced to cancel due to a family emergency.
Project Thunder student Ethan Milone, who had perfect attendance, won a bicycle that was raffled off. The bicycle was donated by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department.
“I would like to thank the entire Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department and especially Sheriff Butch Anderson and Officer Robin Fryar for their consistent support of Project Thunder,” Johnson said. “They are always there for our children. They want to see them grow up and lead productive lives so they do not wind up behind bars.”
During the year, deputies lectured the students and took them on a tour of the county jail.
Johnson thanked Wes Holloway and Rob Moore from Price Chopper for contributing the food for the closing ceremony. Johnson, who is the education director of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the initiator of Project Thunder, also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Laval Wilson, the superintendent of the City of Poughkeepsie schools, “for support and ideas that really enhanced Project Thunder.”
The audience applauded as students were awarded sky blue T-shirts and achievement medallions.
The students’ family members, including some preschool-age siblings, and Project Thunder volunteers joined in the celebration with the students, which culminated with a decorated cake after a meal.
The text of Johnson’s closing remarks to the children follows:
“Dreams can come true if you work hard. This message was wound like strands of yarn in a ball during all of this year’s Project Thunder sessions. This message is further illuminated by daily events, whether it be on the presidential campaign trail or on Boston basketball courts or in your own household.
“However, I hasten to advise you that it is not in your interests to get caught up this summer in idle day-dreaming, because you may fall asleep at the switch and miss your opportunity to excel and excite your family, friends and neighbors with many of the life skills you improved upon in this year’s 16 sessions of Project Thunder.
“Dare to have dreams with purpose. Dream of the day when you will be parents. Dream that you will be the type of parents who will look out for your children and your children will look up to you for the leadership that you provide.
“Last year I told you that, ‘While you are not yet adults, you are developing skills and values that adults take pride in. You are pushing the envelope for future generations.’ That is why I appeal to all of you to make this a special summer vacation by spending quality time with your younger sisters and brothers, cousins and neighbors through playing, reading and sharing some of the lessons that you learned this year. As you are growing up, make it easier for them to grow up. Help them change the peer pressure of doing drugs and alcohol to a community-wide acceptance of striving to do your best and be at your best at all times in all situations.”
“Those of you who got up early, came here in the cold, in the snow, in the rain, can much better appreciate the sunshine that life can offer to those who have the courage to seize it. You should know that learning and teaching are most effective when it is a stream that gently flows back and forth. The teachers teach and learn as well, the learners learn and teach. Every instructor this year expressed that they were proud to be associated with you because they also learned.
“We could not have made the gains we made this year without those dedicated volunteers who helped tutor you and helped feed you. We all offer our thanks to those who help us and ask so little in return. In life even the smallest detail is significant, so never take anything for granted.
“Since this is summer vacation, you should most definitely have fun in the sun. Leave those video games alone until rainy days. Let us make our bodies, minds and spirits healthy. Because in this way you will be best able to take steps to help your dreams emerge closer to reality.”