FIVE MILLION KIDS Talk - Blog

HOPE’s youngest Youth Council member, 8^th grader Carlos Pardo, divides his time between school, work and interning at HOPE World Headquarters.

Carlos believes that kids, as well as mentors, play an important role in helping each other to move on. “When a kid hears an adult say something, it’s one thing, but when they hear it from another kid; that’s powerful.” Carlos believes the key is helping each other. (Click here to hear his message.)

A born optimist, it is his nature to help others. Carlos served as President of the Youth Bible Class at Iglesias Servios De Dios, the church where he was christened at birth, and where he continues in a leadership role mentoring youth. Carlos is looking forward to graduation from Foshay Middle School in June, where he is in college prep classes. He is part of the USC MESA Engineer School program designed to help exceptional students. In March he was honored in a Pin & Ribbon Ceremony for his outstanding grades and deportment.

He likes to make art and is a member of Room 13, the advanced Art class at Foshay. He is a cadet and plays Chess so well that he has been school champ three times over. He is also a former member of the Robotics Club.

Carlos hopes that his involvement on the 5MK Youth Council will result in more students taking an active role in their education. His plans include making recommendations on what kinds of activities we can create to get kids excited about learning.

In order to get our youth re-engaged in school and live with the personal dignity that comes with knowing that they CAN succeed in life, we need YOU. Get involved in the 5MK movement to help keep the kids in your community engaged in education. Visit 5MK and make your own unique pledge.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Morgan Arthur

5MK is proud to present the first Youth Advisory Council Member, Morgan Arthur.

Morgan is a high-school junior in Chicago and is an honor roll student who participates in many extracurricular activities including athletics, band, and speech team. Her diverse activities combined with her broadened view of the world have created a well-rounded individual determined to make a difference. She truly believes that education offers access to a wider range of opportunities, including a fuller life and greater career opportunities.  Hear why she thinks HOPE’s mission to “Make Smart Sexy Again” is critical to the aspirations of youth today.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

5MK Youth Spokesman Dalton Sherman and John Hope Bryant

Earlier this month I was honored to meet the great Dalton Sherman, the amazing and inspiring young man from Texas, who energizes a crowd of 20,000 plus on the 5MK homepage. Check it out! Well, Dalton also attended our annual Operation HOPE board retreat, where he inspired and energized all who were present.  If young Dalton is an example of our youth, and the potential to turn them around and to create star leaders for the future, then I am hopeful indeed!  Talk about 5 MILLION KIDS. Spread the word. Share. Let us know what you think.

One person can change the world. Be that one person.

John Hope Bryant

P.S. The t-shirt Dalton and I have on says “one child drops out of high school every 26 seconds.”