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.