Pearls & Ties Program Kicks off First Sixth Grade Session at Sidney Middle School

SIDNEY, OH – The Pearls & Ties Program kicked off the 6th grade program on September 19th aiming to continue to plant seeds of success in the young people it serves at Sidney Middle School. The group of community volunteers and esteemed speakers are eager to inspire the youth to become positive role models in the community by leading by example and sharing their stories with them during the 2nd phase of the 2-year program.

The program’s foundation focused on building character, instilling core values, and fostering positive relationships last year during the 5th grade program where participating youth engaged in activities that promote teamwork, leadership and self-discovery. This year during the 6th grade program the returning youth will learn the importance of community. Tom Clark, a well-known community member and founder of Pearls and Ties, lined up Mike and Mike as the guest speakers for the program kickoff. Mike Carter and Mike Clark, both with ties to Sidney shared with the youth the importance of community and what it means to give back.

Mike Carter, senior advisor to the president and chief diversity officer of Sinclair College, engaged the youth by offing them to touch, feel, and pose for pictures showcasing his unique baseball photos, jersey and hat collection while explaining the history of his African American Baseball collection and his passion for it. He asked students if they knew who Jackie Robinson was and explained how he broke the color barrier in baseball. He also emphasized the strengths found in our differences, encouraging the youth to embrace their unique backgrounds as assets that strengthen collaboration between one another and community growth.

Mike Clark, a cancer survivor, shared his remarkable journey of volunteering, highlighting his efforts to help raise over $4 million for lymphoma cancer research. His story showed students how community service can open doors to new experiences, including advocating for cancer funding in Washington D.C. Clark’s passion for helping others resonated with the students, underscoring the profound impact of giving back.

“The Pearls & Ties program is designed not only to educate but to empower young people to take action in their communities. Through the Middle Schoolers On The Move initiative, participants will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on volunteering, strengthening the lessons learned and creating a commitment to community service.” said Tom Clark. During October the 6th Grade Pearl and Ties Program participants will get to experience what it feels like to give back to their community be hosting a mini carnival for the residents at Dorothy Love and Sidney Manor.

“The youth experiences provided throughout the program helps to create a supportive network beyond the school walls. The program actively engages with the community by partnering with local businesses, involves parents and local leaders who are eager to support the program through volunteerism and offerings of monetary and in-kind donations.” says April Brubaker, Executive Director for Big Brother’s Big Sisters. In addition, Brubaker also shared with the youth that it was giving community members and area businesses that provided the funds to supply the pearls, ties, shirts, activities, and lunches for each session. It is the volunteers who donate their time and skills to the program that makes the pearls and ties program possible brining it full circle as to why giving back is vital to a community.

Tom Clark, remarked, “Pearls and Ties continues to plant seeds in the minds and souls of middle schoolers. We encourage you to continue to watch the growth of the young leaders we are helping mold that we call “Middle Schoolers on The Move.”