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Kids' Testimonials

Lifelong behavior patterns regarding education and health are shaped during early adolescence. Young people who learn peaceful conflict management, ethical behavior, and the use of social support systems have a greater opportunity to grow into productive, caring, informed adults. Here are just a few of our success stories…


One of the student-athletes going through Athletes Against Drugs' college preparatory program is Adam Cushing, a former football player at Mount Carmel who is a freshman at the University of Chicago.


'It has given me the opportunity to play football and get the best education possible,' Cushing said. 'I have a scholarship worth almost $30,000 and look forward to taking part in more Athletes Against Drugs events in the future while coaching Little League baseball.'


U. of C. football coach Dick Maloney said he was sold on Cushing's profile.

"These kids are first-rate, super human beings and leaders,' Maloney said. 'I would love to have 50 Adam Cushings on my team."


Mount Carmel coach Frand Lenti said the U. of C. is a perfect fit for Cushing.

"Adam is a quality person and a role model, I can't say enough about him."


Chicago Sun-Times, 12/13/98

"Dear AAD, my name is Terrance White and I want to thank you for showing me how to do my work. With your help I can now do math, reading, and other subjects. I have gotten smarter and have really improved in my subjects at school. So thank you very much. Your program has many great tutors who help me with my work. I hope that this program will still be available next year, and that I will be allowed to participate in it. Thank you."


Terrance White, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, my name is DeMarius Daniels and I attend Daniel Webster Elementary School. I want to thank you for letting me participate in the program. This program has helped me with subjects like math, and reading that I needed help in. I am able to complete my homework with the help of the tutors. Attending the program at Robert Morris College has given me a college atmosphere.

Thank you once again for your hospitality."

DeMarius Daniels, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, I want to say thank you for letting Daniel Webster come to Robert Morris on Saturdays. The tutors there help us on our work and help us improve our grades. I learn a lot of things from the tutors. The tutor that helps me the most is Stacey. I learn a lot from her.

Each Friday night I get myself prepared to get up and go to Robert Morris College. I feel that AAD program is preparing me for my future. Thank you so much AAD."

Jeanine McCaskill, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, I want to thank you for your help. Since I've been with this program I can now read better. Now when I do my work I know what I'm doing. I will do my best in everything now that I know what I am doing.

My favorite thing about this program is when we go to Robert Morris College on Saturdays. It is so much fun. The tutors help me on all of my homework. After they help me I know how to do it. They also teach me to stay on them books, do my best, and know that I can do it.

Thank you so much AAD."

Richard Frazier, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, thank you for helping me in my homework and other schoolwork. I'm writing you this letter to let you know that I'm thankful for your coorporation. I'm glad you're sponsoring this program on Saturdays because, it gives me a chance to experience a new neighborhood. I like this program because it not only gives me a chance to have fun, it also allows me to develop my skills and giving me the opportunity to be helped by geniuses."

Shamika Mack, Daniel Webster Elementary

"Dear AAD, My name is Jakina Dortch and I'm an 8th grader at Daniel Webster. I'm writing this letter to thank you. This letter is a symbol of my gratitude and appreciation to you and your program. Your program has provided many things not only to me, but also for each and every student that comes. For example, you have provided us with intelligent tutors. You have also provided us with another environment other than our school for us to learn, study, and have fun. Not only do we learn and have fun, but we meet other people that we don't know. This program also gives us somewhere we can go on Saturdays and not be in the streets. This program keeps us away from gangs or anything that will damage our future. It encourages us to be self-confident for the future.

Overall, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for us including this program. This is an important program and should continue forever. I wish there were more programs like this one. Thank you."

Jakina Dortch, Daniel Webster Elementary