Student ambassadors are celebrated at holiday dinner
By Billie Monroe, President of Role Models Foundation

Role Models ambassadors celebrated the holidays with family and friends at a festive dinner sponsored by Role Models Foundation on December 15, 2007 at Napolatano’s restaurant in Gainesville, Florida.

Board member Ernestine Johnson, human resources director at Star-BannerNewspaper, thanked ambassadors for their many contributions to Role Models Foundation. She said they are essential to the success of such activities as the Summer Journalism Visitation held annually at the University of Florida for high school students, Role Models Today online publication and annual Role Models Foundation Writing Contest and Environmental Stewardship Award. 

Role Models ambassadors were eager to share what they’ve been doing this past year. “I’m so happy to be back in Florida with you. I just flew in from Seattle, where I’m working on a doctorate in communication at the University of Washington. I really want to teach journalism,” said Manoucheka Celeste.  Mark Smith, Role Models Today online publication technical adviser, is in his third year at the University of North Florida, where he has a double major in political science and history.  Mark said, “I’ve volunteered with Role Models for many years, and it’s great to be with everyone again. Last year was the first Summer Journalism Visitation I’ve missed, and I’m definitely going to be there this summer to help out.” Laureen Ricks, who helped coordinate the dinner, talked about her work in the master’s degree program in documentary film studies at the University of Florida. “It’s a fast and challenging pace to keep up with, but it’s creative and exciting. I look forward to finishing my degree this year.” RM Ambassadors Russ Blossom, Asia Clifford, Miranda Lewis and Lydia Nelson also participated in the event, along with Youth Coordinators Rick Blossom and Barbara Little and Environmental Consultant Erika Henderson. Other board members who attended were Angie Clifford and Billie Monroe.

Founder Bill Maxwell sent greetings from London. Here are his remarks to the ambassadors:

“I’ve heard about the many great things you all are doing and the many great things you all plan to do. I congratulate everyone.

“When we founded Role Models in 1994, we had a dream of one day seeing a group of successful young people go out into the world and perform good deeds for others.

“We believed then and still believe today that the highest calling for the successful individual is to serve others and to give to others.

“There are many ways to give. Obviously you can give money. I believe one of the best ways to give is to give of yourself as a role model – to give others your exemplary behavior. I do not mean perfect behavior, but behavior that shows others how to maximize their potential to achieve.

“I’m proud of you all. Take care. Have a great time tonight, and I hope to see some of you all at our Summer Visitation Program here in Gainesville.”

Read Bill Maxwell’s article about his trip to London, “In London, lesson on love for the family.”