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Students participating in the car wash included, from left, Jenna Grego, Lindsey Gates, DeVante Marshall, Katelyn Nitti, Kelsey Cataldo, and Kevin Chen.
THERESA HALL
Rome Observer
ROME — School just started again and most high school students are concerned about their first exams and what colleges they want to attend. One particular senior is trying to make a difference for the troops.
DeVante Marshall, 18, a senior at Rome Free Academy, rallied together students from Rome and Clinton high schools to begin a three-month-long fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $6,500 by Dec. 1.
Marshall and his group held their first event, a car wash, on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Franklin Field. He chose this day in honor of active troops and for those whose lives have been lost since 2001. The students sold tickets at their schools and in the community the week before the car wash.
"My goal for this event was to raise $500. With ticket sales alone, we made about $330," Marshall said. "Saturday, with eight workers, we washed 20 cars and made another $100. I am very happy with how this event turned out. We were close to meeting the goal."
Marshall wanted to make a difference in the community by supporting the military. He and his dad researched many organizations dedicated to the troops, and decided to donate all of the money the group raises to the Boot Campaign.
Five women from Texas created the Boot Campaign last fall. Sherri Rueland, executive director, was inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s book, "Lone Survivor." Lutrell’s book depicts his life as a Navy SEAL and his survival of a failed mission in Afghanistan. After reading this book, Rueland and four others decided to "walk a mile in warriors shoes," and came up with this campaign to raise money for wounded warriors.
The Boot Campaign sells combat boots. All of the proceeds go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, created to welcome home, empower and rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Boot Girl Meghan Roth, 27, of Texas said, "This is a tangible way to support our troops. Instead of just writing a check, people can buy a pair of combat boots. Not only does the money get donated to the foundation but everyone who buys a pair of boots can wear them and literally show their support."
"Our goal is to buy 50 pairs of boots by Dec. 1. I am going to order a pair in my size and wear them to school and around Rome. I believe this will spark other people’s curiosity and it will spread more awareness for our troops," Marshall said. "We will donate the rest of the boots to various shelters to help keep peoples’ feet warm during the winter."
"It is very inspirational to see our future leaders of tomorrow geting involved with this campaign. It is a great example of how wonderful young people are. These students have such great hearts," Roth said. Continued...
Rome Observer
ROME — School just started again and most high school students are concerned about their first exams and what colleges they want to attend. One particular senior is trying to make a difference for the troops.
DeVante Marshall, 18, a senior at Rome Free Academy, rallied together students from Rome and Clinton high schools to begin a three-month-long fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $6,500 by Dec. 1.
Marshall and his group held their first event, a car wash, on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Franklin Field. He chose this day in honor of active troops and for those whose lives have been lost since 2001. The students sold tickets at their schools and in the community the week before the car wash.
"My goal for this event was to raise $500. With ticket sales alone, we made about $330," Marshall said. "Saturday, with eight workers, we washed 20 cars and made another $100. I am very happy with how this event turned out. We were close to meeting the goal."
Marshall wanted to make a difference in the community by supporting the military. He and his dad researched many organizations dedicated to the troops, and decided to donate all of the money the group raises to the Boot Campaign.
Five women from Texas created the Boot Campaign last fall. Sherri Rueland, executive director, was inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s book, "Lone Survivor." Lutrell’s book depicts his life as a Navy SEAL and his survival of a failed mission in Afghanistan. After reading this book, Rueland and four others decided to "walk a mile in warriors shoes," and came up with this campaign to raise money for wounded warriors.
The Boot Campaign sells combat boots. All of the proceeds go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, created to welcome home, empower and rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Boot Girl Meghan Roth, 27, of Texas said, "This is a tangible way to support our troops. Instead of just writing a check, people can buy a pair of combat boots. Not only does the money get donated to the foundation but everyone who buys a pair of boots can wear them and literally show their support."
"Our goal is to buy 50 pairs of boots by Dec. 1. I am going to order a pair in my size and wear them to school and around Rome. I believe this will spark other people’s curiosity and it will spread more awareness for our troops," Marshall said. "We will donate the rest of the boots to various shelters to help keep peoples’ feet warm during the winter."
"It is very inspirational to see our future leaders of tomorrow geting involved with this campaign. It is a great example of how wonderful young people are. These students have such great hearts," Roth said. Continued...
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Marshall was inspired to organize this fundraiser after participating in Leaders For Life International, a week-long program at Hamilton College in July. This program was founded in 2005 by Teresa Huggins, 48, of Clinton. Huggins is an inspirational speaker, author and trainer. Leaders for Life International is a youth based program designed to inspire students to discover their potential by developing strategies and skills to balance life, achieve academic success, learn time management, and to organize and execute events.
"I see great potential in teens. Teenagers can do so much," Huggins said. "Age is not an obstacle. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are limited. I make them realize high school is only a small part of life. Opportunity can start anytime."
Huggins’ program is not lecture-based. She presents the students with various situations and challenges. Working together in groups, students discuss these situations and present the solutions they come up with.
A teacher at RFA told Marshall about the program and stated that the school would pay for 10 students to participate. Marshall filled out the application and was selected to participate.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the brochure and I was flattered to be considered," Marshall said.
Planning on majoring in finances and management in college, Marshall decided Leaders For Life would help him develop skills necessary for his field of study.
"I didn’t know what I was walking into the first day of camp, but when it was time to go home, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted the program to last a few more weeks," Marshall said. "Leaders for Life taught me how to set up and lead activities. The program helped shy people come out of their comfort zone with public speaking activities. I had a blast and I met a lot of new people that I look forward to keeping in touch with."
Marshall utilized the skills he learned at the program when he began planning the car wash. He researched the local area with his grandmother and sister and decided Franklin Field would be a good venue. He contacted the Parks and Recreation Department in Rome and rented the field for the day. The students paid for soap, sponges and buckets out of their own pockets.
"We also created signs and posters to advertise at the schools and at the field," Marshall said.
Huggins supported the students at the car wash Saturday and was impressed with the dedication she saw. "The students didn’t have as many people work the car wash as expected but they kept focused on the outcome they wanted and the customers drove away pleased with the respect they were shown by the teens. For me, putting together our summer program involves months of work and to see teens taking action so quickly after our program fuels my passion to create more opportunities for our youth to learn and grow." Continued...
"I see great potential in teens. Teenagers can do so much," Huggins said. "Age is not an obstacle. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are limited. I make them realize high school is only a small part of life. Opportunity can start anytime."
Huggins’ program is not lecture-based. She presents the students with various situations and challenges. Working together in groups, students discuss these situations and present the solutions they come up with.
A teacher at RFA told Marshall about the program and stated that the school would pay for 10 students to participate. Marshall filled out the application and was selected to participate.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the brochure and I was flattered to be considered," Marshall said.
Planning on majoring in finances and management in college, Marshall decided Leaders For Life would help him develop skills necessary for his field of study.
"I didn’t know what I was walking into the first day of camp, but when it was time to go home, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted the program to last a few more weeks," Marshall said. "Leaders for Life taught me how to set up and lead activities. The program helped shy people come out of their comfort zone with public speaking activities. I had a blast and I met a lot of new people that I look forward to keeping in touch with."
Marshall utilized the skills he learned at the program when he began planning the car wash. He researched the local area with his grandmother and sister and decided Franklin Field would be a good venue. He contacted the Parks and Recreation Department in Rome and rented the field for the day. The students paid for soap, sponges and buckets out of their own pockets.
"We also created signs and posters to advertise at the schools and at the field," Marshall said.
Huggins supported the students at the car wash Saturday and was impressed with the dedication she saw. "The students didn’t have as many people work the car wash as expected but they kept focused on the outcome they wanted and the customers drove away pleased with the respect they were shown by the teens. For me, putting together our summer program involves months of work and to see teens taking action so quickly after our program fuels my passion to create more opportunities for our youth to learn and grow." Continued...
"With the success from the car wash, I am looking forward to and confident that our next event will also be successful," Marshall said. "We will go door-to-door asking for bottle and can donations from the community all day on Oct. 18."
Anyone interested in participating in these local events to raise money for the Boot Campaign, or to find out how to donate, can contact Marshall at:
devantemarshall41@gmail.com
Anyone interested in participating in these local events to raise money for the Boot Campaign, or to find out how to donate, can contact Marshall at:
devantemarshall41@gmail.com
THERESA HALL
Rome Observer
ROME — School just started again and most high school students are concerned about their first exams and what colleges they want to attend. One particular senior is trying to make a difference for the troops.
DeVante Marshall, 18, a senior at Rome Free Academy, rallied together students from Rome and Clinton high schools to begin a three-month-long fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $6,500 by Dec. 1.
Marshall and his group held their first event, a car wash, on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Franklin Field. He chose this day in honor of active troops and for those whose lives have been lost since 2001. The students sold tickets at their schools and in the community the week before the car wash.
"My goal for this event was to raise $500. With ticket sales alone, we made about $330," Marshall said. "Saturday, with eight workers, we washed 20 cars and made another $100. I am very happy with how this event turned out. We were close to meeting the goal."
Marshall wanted to make a difference in the community by supporting the military. He and his dad researched many organizations dedicated to the troops, and decided to donate all of the money the group raises to the Boot Campaign.
Five women from Texas created the Boot Campaign last fall. Sherri Rueland, executive director, was inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s book, "Lone Survivor." Lutrell’s book depicts his life as a Navy SEAL and his survival of a failed mission in Afghanistan. After reading this book, Rueland and four others decided to "walk a mile in warriors shoes," and came up with this campaign to raise money for wounded warriors.
The Boot Campaign sells combat boots. All of the proceeds go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, created to welcome home, empower and rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Boot Girl Meghan Roth, 27, of Texas said, "This is a tangible way to support our troops. Instead of just writing a check, people can buy a pair of combat boots. Not only does the money get donated to the foundation but everyone who buys a pair of boots can wear them and literally show their support."
"Our goal is to buy 50 pairs of boots by Dec. 1. I am going to order a pair in my size and wear them to school and around Rome. I believe this will spark other people’s curiosity and it will spread more awareness for our troops," Marshall said. "We will donate the rest of the boots to various shelters to help keep peoples’ feet warm during the winter."
"It is very inspirational to see our future leaders of tomorrow geting involved with this campaign. It is a great example of how wonderful young people are. These students have such great hearts," Roth said.
Marshall was inspired to organize this fundraiser after participating in Leaders For Life International, a week-long program at Hamilton College in July. This program was founded in 2005 by Teresa Huggins, 48, of Clinton. Huggins is an inspirational speaker, author and trainer. Leaders for Life International is a youth based program designed to inspire students to discover their potential by developing strategies and skills to balance life, achieve academic success, learn time management, and to organize and execute events.
"I see great potential in teens. Teenagers can do so much," Huggins said. "Age is not an obstacle. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are limited. I make them realize high school is only a small part of life. Opportunity can start anytime."
Huggins’ program is not lecture-based. She presents the students with various situations and challenges. Working together in groups, students discuss these situations and present the solutions they come up with.
A teacher at RFA told Marshall about the program and stated that the school would pay for 10 students to participate. Marshall filled out the application and was selected to participate.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the brochure and I was flattered to be considered," Marshall said.
Planning on majoring in finances and management in college, Marshall decided Leaders For Life would help him develop skills necessary for his field of study.
"I didn’t know what I was walking into the first day of camp, but when it was time to go home, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted the program to last a few more weeks," Marshall said. "Leaders for Life taught me how to set up and lead activities. The program helped shy people come out of their comfort zone with public speaking activities. I had a blast and I met a lot of new people that I look forward to keeping in touch with."
Marshall utilized the skills he learned at the program when he began planning the car wash. He researched the local area with his grandmother and sister and decided Franklin Field would be a good venue. He contacted the Parks and Recreation Department in Rome and rented the field for the day. The students paid for soap, sponges and buckets out of their own pockets.
"We also created signs and posters to advertise at the schools and at the field," Marshall said.
Huggins supported the students at the car wash Saturday and was impressed with the dedication she saw. "The students didn’t have as many people work the car wash as expected but they kept focused on the outcome they wanted and the customers drove away pleased with the respect they were shown by the teens. For me, putting together our summer program involves months of work and to see teens taking action so quickly after our program fuels my passion to create more opportunities for our youth to learn and grow."
"With the success from the car wash, I am looking forward to and confident that our next event will also be successful," Marshall said. "We will go door-to-door asking for bottle and can donations from the community all day on Oct. 18."
Anyone interested in participating in these local events to raise money for the Boot Campaign, or to find out how to donate, can contact Marshall at:
devantemarshall41@gmail.com
Rome Observer
ROME — School just started again and most high school students are concerned about their first exams and what colleges they want to attend. One particular senior is trying to make a difference for the troops.
DeVante Marshall, 18, a senior at Rome Free Academy, rallied together students from Rome and Clinton high schools to begin a three-month-long fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $6,500 by Dec. 1.
Marshall and his group held their first event, a car wash, on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Franklin Field. He chose this day in honor of active troops and for those whose lives have been lost since 2001. The students sold tickets at their schools and in the community the week before the car wash.
"My goal for this event was to raise $500. With ticket sales alone, we made about $330," Marshall said. "Saturday, with eight workers, we washed 20 cars and made another $100. I am very happy with how this event turned out. We were close to meeting the goal."
Marshall wanted to make a difference in the community by supporting the military. He and his dad researched many organizations dedicated to the troops, and decided to donate all of the money the group raises to the Boot Campaign.
Five women from Texas created the Boot Campaign last fall. Sherri Rueland, executive director, was inspired by Marcus Luttrell’s book, "Lone Survivor." Lutrell’s book depicts his life as a Navy SEAL and his survival of a failed mission in Afghanistan. After reading this book, Rueland and four others decided to "walk a mile in warriors shoes," and came up with this campaign to raise money for wounded warriors.
The Boot Campaign sells combat boots. All of the proceeds go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, created to welcome home, empower and rehabilitate wounded soldiers. Boot Girl Meghan Roth, 27, of Texas said, "This is a tangible way to support our troops. Instead of just writing a check, people can buy a pair of combat boots. Not only does the money get donated to the foundation but everyone who buys a pair of boots can wear them and literally show their support."
"Our goal is to buy 50 pairs of boots by Dec. 1. I am going to order a pair in my size and wear them to school and around Rome. I believe this will spark other people’s curiosity and it will spread more awareness for our troops," Marshall said. "We will donate the rest of the boots to various shelters to help keep peoples’ feet warm during the winter."
"It is very inspirational to see our future leaders of tomorrow geting involved with this campaign. It is a great example of how wonderful young people are. These students have such great hearts," Roth said.
Marshall was inspired to organize this fundraiser after participating in Leaders For Life International, a week-long program at Hamilton College in July. This program was founded in 2005 by Teresa Huggins, 48, of Clinton. Huggins is an inspirational speaker, author and trainer. Leaders for Life International is a youth based program designed to inspire students to discover their potential by developing strategies and skills to balance life, achieve academic success, learn time management, and to organize and execute events.
"I see great potential in teens. Teenagers can do so much," Huggins said. "Age is not an obstacle. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are limited. I make them realize high school is only a small part of life. Opportunity can start anytime."
Huggins’ program is not lecture-based. She presents the students with various situations and challenges. Working together in groups, students discuss these situations and present the solutions they come up with.
A teacher at RFA told Marshall about the program and stated that the school would pay for 10 students to participate. Marshall filled out the application and was selected to participate.
"I wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the brochure and I was flattered to be considered," Marshall said.
Planning on majoring in finances and management in college, Marshall decided Leaders For Life would help him develop skills necessary for his field of study.
"I didn’t know what I was walking into the first day of camp, but when it was time to go home, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted the program to last a few more weeks," Marshall said. "Leaders for Life taught me how to set up and lead activities. The program helped shy people come out of their comfort zone with public speaking activities. I had a blast and I met a lot of new people that I look forward to keeping in touch with."
Marshall utilized the skills he learned at the program when he began planning the car wash. He researched the local area with his grandmother and sister and decided Franklin Field would be a good venue. He contacted the Parks and Recreation Department in Rome and rented the field for the day. The students paid for soap, sponges and buckets out of their own pockets.
"We also created signs and posters to advertise at the schools and at the field," Marshall said.
Huggins supported the students at the car wash Saturday and was impressed with the dedication she saw. "The students didn’t have as many people work the car wash as expected but they kept focused on the outcome they wanted and the customers drove away pleased with the respect they were shown by the teens. For me, putting together our summer program involves months of work and to see teens taking action so quickly after our program fuels my passion to create more opportunities for our youth to learn and grow."
"With the success from the car wash, I am looking forward to and confident that our next event will also be successful," Marshall said. "We will go door-to-door asking for bottle and can donations from the community all day on Oct. 18."
Anyone interested in participating in these local events to raise money for the Boot Campaign, or to find out how to donate, can contact Marshall at:
devantemarshall41@gmail.com
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of Rome Observer.
Mimi Holmes wrote on Sep 25, 2010 10:56 AM:
" we're very proud of you. Keep up the GREAT work. Love, Grandpa & Mimi Devante, David mentioned this article to your Granda yesterday, and asked me to look it up on the internet. You must have been very flattered to have ben selected into such a special program. It's wonderful to see how much you've benefited from the program, and "
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