Post Card From Home

ELITE Youth Program Lock-In

Candidates for the ELITE Youth Program participated in a lock-in at the Peoria RiverPlex on Saturday kicking off the 2008 program.

ELITE Youth Program Press Conference

A press conference kicking off the 2008 ELITE Youth Program was held on Tuesday, February 19, at the Peoria Park District Administration Building. The event was attended by local television, radio, and newspapers. Thanks to all who attended.

Postcard from Home: Carl Cannon on WEEK

Carl Cannon and CHOICES appeared on WEEK on Jan. 11 2008. Click on the link below to watch it!

Postcard from Home: Carl Cannon

The ELITE Youth Program for 2008 Welcomes Volunteers

ELITE Founder, Carl Cannon, welcomes volunteers to the Peoria RiverPlex.

On Tuesday, January 15, the ELITE Youth Program welcomed over 50 motivated volunteers from Peoria, Bloomington, Dunlap, Bartonville, East Peoria, and other communities. Having nearly doubled in size from last year, the 2008 EYP will bring its unique program to seven central Illinois high schools and will serve over 210 students. Thanks to everyone who volunteered. You are the lifeblood of the program. Anyone wishing to volunteer or to learn more about how to support CHOICES or the ELITE YOUTH Program, please visit the website at www.CHOICESyop.org or www.Eliteyp.org.

Immaculee Ilibagiza at RiverPlex

Immaculee Ilibagiza, a New York Times bestselling author of "Left to Tell" and Rwanda genocide survivor shared her message of hope to Peoria area students at the RiverPlex on Friday morning. She was brought to Peoria by the Scherer family.

Imaculee Ilibagiza

Leslie Lewis Sword (left) and Ilibagiza share a laugh during a press conference on Friday. Ms. Sword is the author and feature performer of "Miracle in Rwanda", a play based on Ilibagiza's life in Rwanda during the genocide. The play will be held at The Hartmann Center for Performing Arts at Bradley University on Saturday, October 20th at 8 pm, and on Sunday, October 21st, at 2:30 pm.

CHOICES at BRADLEY

Now that school is back in session the Bradley University/CHOICES partnership is again in full swing. On Saturday, September 1, CHOICES students and their B.U. mentors got together at the University. Everyone is looking forward to a great year. Check back for some exciting news.

CHOICES Awards Ceremony 2007

The 11th Annual CHOICES Youth Outreach Community Law Enforcement Incentive Awards were held at the Peoria RiverPlex on August 9. The program recognized students from across the Midwest who have committed to making good choices in their lives. Go to ChingPhoto.com and click on "Find Your Photos" to check out all the shots.

CHOICES kids group photo.

Recipients conclude a student/parent march from InPlay to the RiverPlex.

The Integrity Choir warms up the crowd.

Mayor Jim Ardis opens the ceremony. Jerry Stoneburner (left) and Carl Cannon (center) look on.

Congressman Ray LaHood (R-IL) delivers the keynote address.

Shaleese Pie performs a stirring tribute to former Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky gives the benediction.

Christine Zak-Edmonds was right on queue as the Mistress of Ceremony.

Carl Cannon gives last minute instructions to students prior to the CHOICES sponsored back to school shopping spree at JC Penney.

The program concluded at 5 a.m. on Friday with an all-night lock-in at the RiverPlex where kids ate, swam, played in the gym, and learned what making good choices was all about.

Real Heroes at Northwoods Church

Carl Cannon (left) was the featured speaker at the "Secret Hero" program held at Northwoods Community Church on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. The program was the fifth of a six-part series entitled, "Real Heroes." Seated next to Cannon is Pastor Tim Reist of Northwoods Community Church.

Coach Jack Lengyel - "We Are Marshall"

Jack Lengyel, former Head Football Coach at Marshall University, speaks to CHOICES kids at the Peoria RiverPlex on Tuesday. Lengyel took over the program in 1971 following the devastating plane crash in 1970 which killed 75 players, coaches, and boosters. Lengyel and his team are the subject of the hit movie, "We Are Marshall." Lengyel is portrayed by Matthew McConaughey.

NBC Channel 25 interviews a CHOICES kid after the program.

CHOICES founder, Carl Cannon (left), Coach Lengyel, and Lance Zedric share a laugh.

American Red Cross Heartland Heroes

Carl Cannon recieves the prestigious Heartland Heroes Citizenship Award from the national American Red Cross Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter on June 5, 2007 at the Pere Marquette in Peoria. Congratulations Carl on a much-deserved award.

Photo courtesy of Nelliephotography.

Cannon Family/Graduation

The Cannon family "Plays in Peoria" in celebration of Summer Cannon's graduation from Bradley University on Saturday, May 19. Way to go, Summer!

Summer Cannon smiles as she clutches her hard-earned "sheepskin".

The Cannon Family.

ELITE Youth Graduation

On Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at the Peoria RiverPlex the ELITE Youth Program graduated its inaugural class of 58 students. The graduation ceremony recognized those students who completed a demanding 10-week course leading to competitive part-time employment. Speakers included Mayor Jim Ardis, District 150 Superintendent Ken Hinton, and Mrs. Bonnie Noble of the Peoria Park District. Thanks to everyone who helped make the program a resounding success! Way to go graduates!

Program founder, Carl Cannon, opens the ceremony.

An ELITE graduate holds his Certificate.

Mr. Hinton, addresses the graduates.

Smiles all around.

Before the ceremony graduates interview at the Workforce Network Job Fair.

An ELITE graduate gets a pointer from a potential employer.

PHS ELITE at JC Penney

EYP Candidates try on business attire in preparation for the EYP Job Fair and Graduation to be held on Wednesday, May 16 at the RiverPlex. An enormous thanks to JC Penney for outfitting each student. Way to Go JC Penney!!

Program founder, Carl Cannon, gets involved.

Students pose for a shot after the shopping trip.

Students wave goodbye. See you at graduation!

Carlyts Bovan Vigil

The following photos were taken at a vigil for murder victim Carlyts Bovan held on Thursday, May 3, at the Mt. Zion Church. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends for their loss. We encourage everyone to post a comment on the blog to show their support to the family.

The Bovan family mourns its loss.

Friends find solace in each other.

Carl Cannon comforts a family member.

A family prays together.

Tomorrow's legacy

Cannon Recognized by U.S. Army

Carl Cannon (far left) poses with ELITE candidates and the staff of the "Gateway Hunters". Cannon was recognized for his work with the CHOICES/ELITE Programs by LTC Barber and his staff from the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion (St. Louis). Cannon, a retired Army NCO, was presented with the Battalion Coin of Excellence. Way to go, Carl! Whoa!

Manual & AHS Day of Hope

ELITE candidates work with primary school students as part of the Manual Day of Hope held at the RiverPlex. Community participation and volunteerism is a key component of the ELITE Youth Program experience.

Candidates enjoy the pool at the RiverPlex.

ELITE Interviews at PHS

ELITE Youth staff conduct a mock interview of a candidate in preparation for the upcoming EYP graduation and Job Fair to be held on May 16 at the RiverPlex. The Job Fair is the capstone of the program and places trained, certified, employable youth with quality part-time jobs.

A candidate waits his turn. Each of the mock interviews are recorded and reviewed by the candidate, their staff, and by peers as a training aide to help improve performance and sharpen interviewing skills.

Vigil for Dequarrius Sims

On Tuesday evening, April 24, a vigil was held for Dequarrius Sims, a popular young Manual High School student and an ELITE Youth Program candidate who was murdered last Sunday. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Below are a few photos.

Dequarrius as a student in the ELITE Youth Program at Manual High School - March 2, 2007

Carl Cannon consoles Rico Scott, a friend of Sims', who pays tribute to "DQ" on his shirt.

Manual alumnus and former Illini basketball star Sergio McClain issues a challenge to Peoria to pull together to make the community safe for everyone.