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.

ELITE CPR Training at AMT

An instructor at Advanced Medical Transport demonstrates the proper technique for administering chest compressions at the mandatory CPR component of the ELITE Youth Program on Saturday, April 21 at the AMT Training Facility in Peoria.

One of two classrooms of ELITE Students practices chest compressions.

A student practices giving mouth-to-mouth.

Joe inspects the mannequins following the training session. All survived. A special thanks to everyone at AMT for providing an outstanding training venue and top-notch instructors!

Prayer Vigil

The following photos were taken at the most recent vigil for murder victim Tamara Gregory held on Thursday, April 12, on Nebraska Avenue in Peoria. Gregory is the fifth murder victim this year.

A child bears a sign speaking volumes.

Mayor Jim Ardis offers a few words.

Patti Sterling-Polk, founder of the Peoria chapter of Mother's Against Violence, wraps the daughter of Tamara Gregory in a quilt symbolizing the community's love and support.

No caption needed.

Just a few of the over 200 people who attended the rally.

EYP Anti-Violence Rally

Several ELITE Youth students attended an anti-violence rally at the RiverPlex on Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Joining them are Mayor Jim Ardis, Councilman George Jacob, and Bonnie Noble from the Peoria Park District. Keep checking back for more exciting developments as the inaugural class of the ELITE Youth Program is in their final month before graduation. Good luck and keep working hard!