Craziness and Traditions. That's what the SCFP is all about! Right? To the left is a picture of what's become an annual tradition for the Freedom Project, our "Hot Springs, Arkansas hot water on- the-hair-wash! Don't worry the water's not that hot and the students love it! Won't you join us next time?
We took this trip right before Thanksgiving and by the time we got back we were ready for I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break! How was the stuffing? What was the best dish? Just as much as Thanksgiving is a tradition for so many families, we've built a series of strong traditions over the years here at the SCFP. For many students and our staff, the SCFP is like a second family and our traditions are often what keep us together. Along with our overarching plan of commitment, Freedom Fellows engage in and look forward to a host of annual events. As part of the SCFP family, you have an open invitation to participate in any of these traditions including:
- On December 8th at 7:00pm, we'll have our Fourth Annual, SCFP Multimedia Festival. This year's theme is "The Choice Is Yours." In addition to some amazing youth media projects from our students and youth around the country, SCF-Productions will unveil an original film, shot in scenic Hot Springs, Arkansas. Can't wait to see you there!
- On December 15th at 7:00pm, we'll have our Second Annual, SCFP SLAM. Last year's event was a huge success featuring poetry, dance, and even comedy. This year will be even better, so if you want to perform, know someone who does, or just want to see some amazing young talent, contact our Program Coordinator, Autumn Hayes.
iar, we invite you to check out our blog and read some of our feature's this month including "Class of 2008 Senior Profiles" and our first ever,
Writer's Retreat to Charleston, Mississippi (see picture to the right). What an amazing event! As crazy as it may sound to some, our students had a blast developing different writing styles and learning from some amazing authors, playwrights, and visual artists. Take five minutes out and check out this story along with the YouTube video of a highlights from our trip:
http://scfp.typepad.com. The funny thing about all of this is that when all of our students look back, they always comment on how they never thought they'd be on some the adventures the SCFP has led them to. In January, two of our graduates, Chris Perkins and Jasmine Harvey ( Class of 2006,) will embark on a excellent adventure to the country of Ghana in West Africa as part of a mini-term course they were selected to be a part of. Jasmine wrote " The trip to Ghana is not only a trip, it is a course where we actually experience the journey. We will be taking classes at Universities, going on field trips, discussing and debating just like in any other class, except we'll be in Ghana, West Africa and part of a life changing trip!" (Contact Jasmine at jasmine_harvey@berea.edu ) Chris Perkins added, "This trip creates the perfect opportunity to continue my teaching, especially on the issue of manhood." You can read more about Chris Perkins' take on the trip on the successful brother blog: http://successfulbrothers.blogspot.com
This idea of teaching, mentoring, and passing on life lessons from student to student is a huge part of the Freedom Project. It's one of the reasons we're able to have the success we do. Recently, we posed the question to our graduates, "How can a current SCFP student prepare now to be successful in college?"
"I think all current SCFP students are capable of succeeding in college or what ever they choose to do it's just having motivation and dedication. By that I mean you can't come half stepping and you've got to give it your all. College requires some of the same characteristics of the Freedom Project but the big difference is you're on your own. The biggest thing is not being side tracked by all the freedom and decisions you are in total control of making." - Rokeisha Ross, Class of 2006

"My answer to this is to never give up. Although things may get hard and you may feel like nothing is working out, never give up on yourself. I think that getting used to studying and reading to comprehend can help prepare current SCFP students for success in college. You can speed read, but not understanding what you read will not be any help.
My only words of encouragement are, " believe in yourself when nobody else does." - Candace Durn, Class of 2006
Such motivation and encouragement are key to the future success of our students. Candace's words are so vital because as we challenge our students to step outside of their comfort zone and face new obstacles, many of their friends might think they're crazy, but the belief that what they're doing will pay off is the fuel that keeps them going. What keeps the Freedom Project going is the dedicated support of our donors over the years and organizations such as the Rock River and Phil Hardin Foundations, who have renewed their pledges to support the SCFP. So to all of our donors, foundations, and supporters, thank you for believing in all of our craziness and becoming part of our family and traditions, thank you, thank you, thank you. To help support the Freedom Project, all tax-deductible contributions can be made either online through DonateNow or
through mail at P.O. Box 701, 120 Delta Avenue, Sunflower, MS 38778
Rest assure that you're investing in not just the future, but some amazing changes that are happening right now. Until next time, stay positive and keep on pushing.
Let's make it happen!
-Greg
Greg McCoy
Executive Director
Sunflower County Freedom Project
mccoy@sunflowerfreedom.org
662-736-0213
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Our postal address is
120 Delta Ave.
P.O. Box 701
Sunflower, Mississippi 38778
United States


