MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

Press Releases:

9th Annual Challenge Day Such a Success Students Scream for Entry

KEY WEST (224 words) – While MYCP volunteers sat breathless at the Human Services Advisory Board meeting in Marathon Thursday, Sept. 20 to find out if funding would be provided for its programs, dozens of students pounded doors and screamed for entry to Challenge Day in Key West.

“We’re full but more kids want in the door and I hate to turn them away from the single most powerful one-day program I could ever provide,”

Photo Credit: MYCP

said Sunny Booker who coordinated the 9th Annual Challenge Day events for all three public high schools in Monroe County last week Sept. 17 - 20. More than 700 students participated in the county-wide effort to prevent school violence, bullying, anti-social behaviors, and suicide.

“Challenge Day was introduced to Monroe County after a tragic loss in the community of a young person who took their own life. Monroe Youth Challenge Program addresses, on an ongoing basis, the opportunity for youth to feel connected to one another and to the adults in their lives,” said Booker. This connectedness combats isolation that causes school violence, bullying, self-medicating such as using alcohol and other drugs, dangerous sexual behavior, and suicide. Booker adds, “To end this isolation MYCP programs are a NEED to keep our kids, our schools and our community safe.”

For more information call Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400, ext. 53319 or visit http://www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp or www.challengeday.org.