Heritage boys learn to play RUFF
Bob Jones mentors Darius Tibbs, Caleb Bradford and Nick Beavers, along with R.U.F.F. President Preston Scott, talk to the R.U.F.F. group about character building.
Two teachers at Heritage Elementary are teaching young boys how to play RUFF.
Anthony Graham, a fifth-grade teacher, and Michael Kelley, a fourth grade teacher, founded RUFF, “Ready yoUrself For the Future,” in order to provide fourth, fifth and sixth-graders with “positive” male role models.
“We want to provide them with positive male role models and develop strong leadership skills,” Graham said.
Created in early December of last year, the 176-member group enlists the help of 15 Bob Jones High School students and 13 fathers, to share their road to success.
The young men receive training in leadership and communication, as well assistance in tutoring.
“Many of the mentor’s stressed the importance of education and good decision making,” Graham said. “Our young males tend to look up to professional athletes and celebrities. Our program wants them to have a tangible role model right here in their own community.”
“As an R.U.F.F. role model, our chief objective is to inspire young males and instruct them on the correct pathways to tread down in order to be successful leaders,” said Caleb Bradford, a 17-year-old mentor from Bob Jones.
Preston Scott, a 12-year-old sixth grader is president of the group.
As president, Scott said his main responsibilities include doing good deeds and helping his peers make the right decision.
“This program is important because we had 116 referrals and 112 were guys,” Scott said. “Many students have no father figure or a good influence. This program builds integrity, good character and sportsmanship. We call ourselves Kings of Heritage because we have to act like kings all the time, whether someone is watching or not.”
The group meets once a month for the program.
For the group’s next meeting, the boys will have a Police and Firefighter Luncheon at city hall, Feb. 12.
Graham said he is currently looking for companies and individuals in the community to help sponsor the program. For more information, e-mail Graham at agraham@madisoncity.k12.al.us.
