| Emily Gimmel -Theodore Roosevelt University of Kentucky Junior Kara Kirtley, 20, lives by this quote: "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society."- Theodore Roosevelt. That�s because when not in school, this young woman devotes herself to a non-profit organization that strives to encourage character and willpower against drugs, alcohol and violence in Kentucky�s youth. Kirtley developed the idea for the program while volunteering at a temporary home for children facing domestic abuse problems, when she met a young child half her age that touched her heart. She calls him �Michael.� �We had bonded throughout the day,� she wrote on the official Kentucky Character website, http://www.geocities.com/kekirtley. �He had given me several gifts, including a coveted smiley face sticker and a bubble-gum machine ring because I was his girlfriend.� The 10-year-old looked many years younger than his peers due to malnourishment; but that didn�t stop him enjoying his time with Kirtley. The duo bonded for the remainder of her visit and when it came time for her to leave, the youngster pleaded her to stay and announced he wished she were his mom. �Right then I realized the toll his life had taken on him. I realized how desperately he needed a role model; a role model he could not find at home,� Kirtley explained. �I made a pledge to myself that from that day forward I would work diligently to find an answer; to find hope, care and love for Michael and those like him.� That story resulted in the establishment of Kentucky Character and the organization�s slogan- �For Michael�s Everywhere.� The program is designed to teach children to respect themselves and learn integrity. It�s when they learn this admiration for themselves and others, they will be less likely to fall into peer pressure, succumb to violence, resort to eating disorders, become the school bully or even commit suicide. Unlike most character education programs that provide and sell a curriculum to teach the standards and ethics, Kentucky Character fundraises to purchase these materials so all young people can achieve. Besides Micheal, Kirtley also credits her parents with giving her the inspiration to follow her dreams. They instilled morals and values in her at a young age, and she wants other young people to have the opportunities in character education that she did. Her motivation to make a change is also attributed her own role model, the 26 president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. �As American Citizens we have a duty to give back to the youth of our country, equip them with the tools they need to become strong, proactive adults and improve their quality of life,� she explains, enthused by Roosevelt. Kirtley says that at this day in age, a program like this is needed more than ever. "With the breakdown of families in America and fewer children receiving adequate care at home, it is imperative that public schools and communities help parents out by teaching children character education," says Kirtley. This college junior�s endeavors don�t stop there. Kirtley is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and she recently won the title of Miss Green River Valley last month in Bremen, Ky. She says her crown will serve as her �megaphone� as she plans to reach out to people of all ages during her reign. Kentucky Character will then serve as her platform as she competes against 33 of the state�s most talented young women in the Miss Kentucky pageant next June. She has already seen a difference with many young kids in the program. For some, their attitudes have completely changed and become more positive. Others share with her their dreams and career aspirations of becoming the �first black woman president.� Kirtley says these are only the beginning signs of change. Kirtley is currently working on gaining corporate sponsors for her program, but she says help of any kind is greatly needed. They are looking for individual volunteers to serve on committees and help fundraise. She especially desires the assistance of her peers. �It is important for students get involved because through getting involved with our local schools and making a difference in our community, we are breaking the stereotypes that have been placed on us as college students.� She�s barely 20, but the ambitious young woman is clear about what she wants for the future of her program. Next year she hopes to raise $1,000 to go towards Kentucky Character, but that�s just the beginning. �Long-term, I will help implement character education programs in each school in Kentucky. I�m working to get publicly recognized officials and community leaders as endorsers of Kentucky Character. Within 5 years, it is my goal to have a physical office for Kentucky Character in Lexington.� |