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I am not my own
By David Alvey. Photos by Tony Valadez
Jan 8, 2009
“I am not my own,” reads the message in Greek on the commemorative ring handed out recently to a select group of 80 high school students at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas.
“’I am not my own’ is a powerful concept that has the power to change our culture,” John Oehlke, vice president of the South Region for Coca-Cola North America, told the students. “At the base of this idea is adopting a new way of looking at life from the perspective of how individuals can have a greater impact on others.”
The message is one of the most important these students will learn as members of the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola® program.
“It means that everything you do has an effect on others, as well as on you,” continued Oehlke. “Before you act or speak, ask yourself two questions: how will this affect me, and how will this affect others?”
Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola is a program that brings extra enrichment and opportunities to a select group of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas’ members. The mission of the program is to encourage students to elevate their skills in the classroom, at home, in extra-curricular activities, and wherever their interests lie.
“Not everyone has these advantages afforded you – to meet Mike Modano, to interact with designer Brad Oldham, to know Dallas Mavericks president Terdema Ussery,” said Charles English, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, referring to one-on-one interactions with role models in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program. “Seize the opportunity,” English urged.
The Dallas Elevators also includes character development curriculum that uses video, print and online tools to reinforce positive character and life skills. The program has five learning modules based on the principles of the Boys & Girls Club: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; sports and recreation; and fine arts.”
Companies interested in offering one-time experiences for young people in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program should email carolyn@aardvarktx.com with “Dallas Elevators” in the subject line. Interested high school students should check with the nearest Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, which includes clubs in Dallas, Mesquite, Richardson, Coppell and Grand Prairie.
More information is available at www.dallaselevators.com.
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| Charles English, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas |
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| John Oehlke, vice president of the South Region, Coca-Cola North America |
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| Juany Valdespino-Gaytan, director of education, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas |
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| Alishia Givens talks about her Dallas Elevators' experiences |
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| East Dallas Club member Isaac Cedillo with Charles English, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, and John Oehlke, vice president of the South Region, Coca-Cola North America |
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| East Dallas members |
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| Cheryl Brown, Coca-Cola North America; with East Dallas Club members Apolonia Rincon and Jazmin Seals with John Oehlke, Coca-Cola North America |
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| Grand Prarie Club members |
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| Turnkey Club |
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| Oak Cliff Club |
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| Turner Court/Frazier Courts/West Dallas Club |
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| Mesquite Club |
