Fifth graders at Lakeview Academy have spent time during the past several weeks learning new skills in the CHAMPS Program under the direction of our School Resource Officer, Baldwin County Deputy Sheriff Tamica Glenn. CHAMPS, which stands for Choosing Healthy Activities & Methods Promoting Safety, is an educational program that aims to provide guidance, knowledge, and skills to Baldwin County youth in order to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life.

Guest speaker, LVA teacher Mr. Derrick Washington, recalled the challenges that he faced as a former student of the Baldwin County School System. He said that it is very important for the students to learn to say “NO” to peer pressure and to make wise decisions so that they, too, could someday graduate.

Winners of the best CHAMPS essay from each classroom were awarded medals by Sheriff Massee and Deputy Glenn. All student graduates were called by name and marched across the stage to receive a certificate of completion as well.

In his remarks, Sheriff Bill Massee congratulated all the graduates and counseled them to listen to their parents and other caring adults who are their best examples of how to take control of their decisions.

Principal Shawne Holder thanked the sheriff for continuing to be a strong advocate for the program and for providing LVA with a school resource officer. She exhorted the graduates to be proud of their accomplishments and to use what they have learned as they prepare to leave LVA.