SYF Student Leaders Making a Difference

Former Super Bowl winning Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy once said, “It's about the journey-mine and yours-and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better.”

At Simon Youth Academies across the United States, our teachers and administrators are instilling principles that will last a lifetime. One of these is volunteerism. Four students at Simon Youth Clark Pleasant Academy recently wrote and presented a grant proposal to the Youth Philanthropy Council of Johnson County. One of the volunteer activities they want to use the money – Stockings for Seniors.

Abby Van Landingham (Senior), Angie Sigman (Junior), Jacob Holzer (Senior) and C.J. Dixon (Junior) are the Students in Action Leaders for the 2012-2013 school year. The Stockings for Seniors project is an effort to show appreciation for those who may be forgotten around the holidays. Gifts are always nice to receive, but these students are more concerned with showing men and women in nursing homes a little attention during the joyous season.

In addition to this project, Abby, Angie, Jacob and C.J. have been participating in the Jefferson Awards Students in Action organization. It is a program focusing on volunteerism and getting others to learn to be philanthropic.  Last year they came in second place for their outstanding work and calculated more than 2,000 hours in giving back to the community. Earlier this month, these students attended a lunch and learn for leadership and team building. There were about 150 students there from schools in the central Indiana area.

This is just one example of thousands seen at the Simon Youth Academies across the nation. It’s great to showcase a group of individuals who are beginning to make their mark on society. In the same way they were given a second chance to succeed, they are paying it forward. It’s a lesson everyone can take away.

Eric Chamberlain Selected as SYF Major Gifts Officer

Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Eric Chamberlain as the new Major Gifts Officer. He will be responsible for the Foundation’s efforts in developing and executing external individual and corporate gifts. He is very excited to get to work.

“As someone who believes deeply that all people, regardless of their life circumstances, should have the opportunity to obtain the lifelong emotional, intellectual, and economic benefits of high-school and higher education, I am delighted and honored to be joining the team of like-minded professionals at SYF who ignite hope each and every day,” said Chamberlain.

A graduate of Lycoming College (Williamsport, PA), Eric earned the distinction of Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives in 2008. Chamberlain is also heavily involved in the Indianapolis non-profit community. He is a mentor with the Starfish Initiative enhancing college access and readiness for disadvantaged high school students, a board member of the Exodus Refugee Immigration Services assisting those fleeing religious or political persecution with the process of rebuilding their lives, and a board member with Play Ball Indiana to develop life skills of inner city youth through the game of baseball. He has worked at Tau Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity as a Regional Director, WFYI Public Broadcasting as a Community Ambassador and, most recently, as the Associate Executive Director of Volunteer Services for Delta-Upsilon International Fraternity. 

“We are proud to add Eric Chamberlain to our SYF team,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. “He brings great passion and expertise to advance the pursuit of positioning Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention.”

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2012 SYF Teacher of the Year: Katie Burton

Katie Burton Selected as Teacher of the Year by SYF

Clark Pleasant Academy Student Services Coordinator is the 2012 Recipient

From left to right: Dr. J. Michael Durnil (SYF President & CEO),
Julie Carriere (Education Services Coordinator),
Della Lefevers (Admin. Services-Education Services),
Katie Burton (Student Services Coordinator, Clark Pleasant Academy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Katie Burton as the 2012 Teacher of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a professional who has demonstrated excellence in all facets of insuring academic success with academy students. Burton's dedication to helping guide them from high school graduation to college acceptance is remarkable. She wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so. 

"I believe that teaching and counseling requires a tremendous amount of passion and a desire to grow in all aspects of life: mentally, spiritually, emotionally and scholastically," said Burton.  "I am here to set an example to students and instill understanding and love for life."

A graduate of Franklin College and a master's degree in School Counseling from IUPUI, her efforts go beyond the walls of the academy. Burton is the Vice President of KIC-IT (Kids in Crisis Intervention Team) and regularly helps out at their Youth Worker Café, which brings together experts in the field to share best practices, help with interventions and brainstorm problem-solving with youth issues. She is also a member of the American Counselors Association (ASCA) and the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA). Burton serves as a presenter for several workshops, master’s degree classes and other Dropout Prevention related conferences.

"We are proud to add Katie Burton to our list of distinguished educators," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. "She ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention."

2012 SYF Administrator of the Year: Seith Bedard

Seith Bedard Selected as Administrator of the Year by SYF
Peabody Learning Academy Director is the 2012 Recipient

From left to right: Julie Carriere (Education Services Coordinator),
Dr. J. Michael Durnil (SYF President & CEO),
Della Lefevers (Admin. Services-Education Services),
Seith Bedard (Director, Peabody Learning Academy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Seith Bedard as the 2012 Administrator of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a professional who has demonstrated excellence in leading an academy towards overall success. Bedard's dedication guiding teachers and students to perform at extraordinary levels speaks volumes of his character. He wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so.

"Often, I am the only role model or parental figure in my students' lives. Therefore, it's imperative that I show my dedication to their success," said Bedard. "Helping these students and providing them with guidance not just in school, but in life, has really empowered them to make better choices and contribute to society in a positive way."

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a master's degree in Special Education from American International College, his efforts go beyond the walls of the academy. Bedard is on the Board of Directors for the North Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross. He also worked with the district to create the Peabody Alternative Night School and works extensively with the Workforce Investment Board of the North Shore. Bedard has been a keynote speaker for the Pearson Publishing Seminar and presented to more than 500 school officials about the work done at the Peabody Learning Academy.

"We are proud to add Seith Bedard to our list of distinguished educators," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. "He ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention."

Sharing Best Practices: 2012 SYF Annual Conference

Teachers and administrators of Simon Youth Academies across the United States have gathered in Orlando, Florida for the 2012 SYF Annual Conference. This works in conjunction with the 24th Annual National Dropout Prevention NetworkConference. Marrying the two organizations gives everyone a unique opportunity to share best practices in both a large and small setting. The three-day event is a comprehensive look at the most important initiatives and issues facing the youth of today.

2012 SYF Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, October 2012

Empowered by Partnerships is the theme of the SYF conference. Working together as one will help the academies work smarter not harder. On Sunday, attendees were welcomed and got to know one another in an intimate setting. The unique ice breaker had each person bring with them a small gift that was representative of where they work. For example, one brought candy from a company based in the area while another brought a sports t-shirt from the professional team in their city. In addition, SYF President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil talked about the key engagement activities, new branding, enhancement grants and much more.

Monday started bright and early as breakfast gave everyone an opportunity to meet experts in residence. The primary goal of this initiative is to pair up academies with individuals who can lend support and guidance not only during the conference but as they go back into their education centers. After some sessions guided by the Dropout Prevention Network, SYF administrators and teachers came back together for two workshops led by Dr. Sylvia Rockwell. A member of Kappa Delta Pi (an international honorary society for educators) and education consultant with Tactical Teaching, Rockwell walked everyone through the hot topics of teaching at-risk learners and how manage “You can’t make me” moments. Her thirty plus years of experience helped these participants through her efforts and other best practices.

The evening events capped off the day and recognized the efforts of those in the field. In addition, two individuals were singled out as the 2012 Administrator of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The Administrator of the Year is Seith Bedard, Director of SimonYouth Peabody Learning Academy at Northshore Mall in Massachusetts. The Teacher of the Year is Katie Burton, Student Services Coordinator at Simon Youth ClarkPleasant Academy in Whiteland, Indiana.

Look for more about the Tuesday and Wednesday wrap-up coming later in the week.

Arsenal Mall's Touch-a-Truck, A Success

More than a dozen vehicles of all makes, models and sizes rolled into Watertown's Arsenal Mall Saturday the 6th for the fourth annual "Touch a Truck" event. It provided residents with an up-close look at a variety of trucks and vehicles.

Vehicles like the Watertown Police Department cruiser, a Massachusetts State Police cruiser, a Pizzeria Regina delivery truck, a WEEI vehicle, an American Red Cross ambulance, a dump truck, a front end loader, a BOND Bros truck, and more, gave attendees a wide array of wheels.

Blinkee the Clown made a special appearance and many got their face painted for the occasion. This year was their best yet with $2845 total dollars collected and 561 wristbands given out. With the split, they raised $1,707 for Franciscan Hospital for Children and $1138 for Simon Youth Foundation.

SYF is very grateful for the support and hard work put forth to make this event happen. It not only raises awareness about what the foundation does, it also will directly affect the students as they pursue their degrees and turn dreams into reality.