Book aims to help sixth-graders cope with everyday life

DECATUR — Imagine growing up in a time of great uncertainty and having to deal with peer pressures, family issues and substance abuse. Where can a child or young adult turn for help in times of need? Decatur police chief Steve Grizzle offered up a solution and a place to turn when help is needed.

During a brief program in the new gym at Decatur Middle School Friday morning, Chief Grizzle addressed the sixthgrade class concerning the many issues the young 11- or 12-year-old students face as they advance into their teenage years.

At the end of the program, Chief Grizzle presented a small book published for the Decatur Police Department by Good Will Publishers Inc. The text was written by John Sydney Tighe, illustrated by Chris Pelicano and designed by Marcia Bousquet.

Devon Courtney, Decatur Middle School principal, expressed her gratitude to the community for supporting a project that, in the end, helps kids cope with different situations that arise along the road to adulthood.

“I am thankful to the community sponsors for providing the book to our sixth-grade students,” Courtney said. “At DMS, we value student growth academically, and we strive to instill character traits that help them become valuable community members. The Book, “Be the Best You Can Be,” does just that. It teaches students to be a good friend, have courage, and make good choices.”

After Chief Grizzle’s short talk, Meredith Renfroe, from Grand Savings Bank, Rebecca Jasso, from Decatur Gun and Pawn, and Lucky Sood, owner of Decatur Group Inc./ Handy Mart, presented the books to each of the sixth graders.

Courtney was proud of the community’s involvement in the project and hopes this can be the start of greater cooperation between the Decatur School District and businesses, parents and the community at large.

“I want to thank each of the sponsors, The Decatur Police Department, Handy Mart, Decatur Gun and Pawn, The Decatur Meat Market, and Grand Savings Bank for partnering with our school,” Courtney concluded. “We value community partnerships and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS A sixth-grader from Decatur Middle School receives the book, “Be The Best You Can Be,” from Lucky Sood during a presentation ceremony sponsored by the Decatur Police Department at Decatur Middle School on Friday morning. Sood, the owner of Handy Mart in Decatur, helped sponsor the book project which is part of the police department outreach program for young people.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS A sixth-grade student receives a fist bump from Decatur Police Chief Steve Grizzle during a book presentation ceremony at Decatur Middle School on Friday morning. Grizzle and the project sponsors handed out the book, “Be The Best You Can Be,” to help young people cope with everyday life situations.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Grizzle talks to a group of sixth-graders about the challenges they may face as they grow up.