Photo by Nancy Royden. Steven A. Culbertson of Youth Service America speaks with students, teachers and others Jan. 19 at Surrattsville High School in Clinton.

Published on: Tuesday, February 02, 2010

By Nancy Royden

By Nancy Royden

Sentinel Staff Writer

Students at Surrattsville High School in Clinton are taking the initiative to create healthier lives by kicking off a semester-long service project funded by a $1,000 grant from United Healthcare through the Youth Service America organization.

Parent volunteer and event coordinator Kim Carrington said she is excited about how the students are looking out for others and themselves by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

On Jan. 19, the schools “semester of service” kicked off in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a healthy dinner, dance presentation, a mini theatrical production, music and speakers.

The event included reenactments of famous speeches by King and President Barack Obama. The school’s choir, LaTonya Wrenn of Bowie State University and student Jakija Hargrove presented music. Gospel artist Christopher Page and other dancers led line dancing.

The event’s program included a few inspiring quotes for the students and adults, including one from the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” it reads.

One of the speakers at the event, Steven A. Culbertson, president and chief executive officer of Youth Service America, said the group encourages children as young as 5 years old to volunteer in their communities, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day was used as a launch pad for groups’ “Semester of Service.”

“Mrs. Obama announced that this is her priority for 2010,” Culbertson said about healthy living.

Culbertson said he is interested in getting her to come to SHS to meet the students and speak with them about positive lifestyles and their project.

“There’s too much junk food,” Culbertson told the students. “Younger generations should be living longer lives.”

Carrington said by teaching the students how to prepare food themselves in healthy ways, it makes life better for them.

Instead of just talking about their health-promoting project to other students and teachers, the students are using text messages from their cell phones and Facebook to share information, she said.

During the presentation, the students served sweet potatoes that were oven baked with a little cinnamon and kosher salt, along with collard greens.

Carrington said it is a good idea for people of all ages to avoid fast food as often as possible, and instead opt for healthy drinks and salads. Using olive oil in recipes can be a step in the right direction, too.

“Adults should be excited about what they’re doing. A lot of staff members are on diets,” she said.

Carrington said the students are working with Clagett Farm and the District of Columbia Central Kitchen through the Healthy Returns program to learn about additional ways to eat healthily.

Heather Asata and Karyn Lynch also offered inspiring words to the students during the program. Asata is an employee of Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md. and Lynch is chief of student services for the Prince George’s County Public Schools and represented Superintendent William Hite Jr.

Youth Service America was founded in 1986 and supports, “a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning leadership and achievement,” according to the organization’s Web site.

YSA awards grants for youth, educators, service-learning coordinators and others. The grants are given out nationwide, Culbertson said.

The ability of children to improve the world should not be underestimated, he told the audience at SHS during his speech.

“Do not let adults tell you you are the hope of the future. You are the hope of today. We need you today,” he said.

For more information about the SHS project, e-mail Carrington at sixmommy@msn.com.