In January of 2011, I shared data from the Search Institute indicating that 35 percent of 4th to 6th graders in Santa Clara County felt the adults in their communities valued children and youth and only 18 percent of our middle and high school students felt valued by the adults in their communities. I urged community members, “let’s ask ourselves what we can do to build positive relationships with our youth.” I am very happy to report that many of our community members and organizations have answered the call.
One group that has been especially busy demonstrating how much they value our youth is the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce. In April they conceptualized, planned and hosted a “Rock the Mock” event at Specialized Bicycle Components. The purpose was to help high school students prepare for job or college interviews in a real world environment. Two hundred students from Central, Live Oak and Sobrato high schools participated in skill-building workshops covering topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, dress and demeanor and even the art of the proper handshake. They even had the opportunity to participate in one-on-one mock interviews. Thirty-five local business owners worked with the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Specialized Bicycle Components, Morgan Hill Toastmasters and Morgan Hill Access Television to make this wonderful learning opportunity a reality for students. I am very happy to report that the lessons learned are already helping our students. Shortly after “Rock the Mock,” I interviewed students from our high schools for Rotary and CALSA scholarships. It was clear to all of us on the selection committee which students had participated in “Rock the Mock”; they were better prepared and more successful in the scholarship interviews.
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce did not stop there. They are currently working with Martin Murphy Middle School to plan and host a Career Day June 5. As of today, 22 professionals, many of whom are Morgan Hill Unified graduates, are hosting informational booths for 16 career clusters including architecture and construction; business, management, and administration; marketing, sales, and service; and information technology to name a few.
Fifty parents from throughout the district worked with the District English Learners Advisory Committee, the District Advisory Committee, the Migrant Parent Advisory Committee and Home and School Clubs to plan and host our Inaugural MHUSD Parent University. The purpose of the event was to provide parents with resources to support their students as they transition from one grade level to the next and into college. Parents, staff and community members conducted 20 workshops in English and in Spanish on topics such as “Setting Boundaries for Students,” “How do we as parents ensure our kids will thrive and be successful?,” and “Home Study Skills: Helping your child get organized for success.” Some might wonder how a parent university demonstrates that a community values its youth. I am convinced that the more we do to equip adults in our community with the skills/resources they need to support the youth in our community, the more valued our youth will feel.
Another group eager to value and support our youth is the Morgan Hill Interfaith Council. Leaders from throughout our faith-based organizations have been meeting to discuss how they can serve our community. They have considered many areas of need, but have identified building assets in our youth as a potential focus for the council and their organizations. They have even had a representative from Project Cornerstone attend one of their meetings and explain the research behind the developmental assets and share ways that communities can partner in building assets in our youth that will help our young people avoid dangerous, harmful behaviors.
In light of recent tragedies in our community, organizations like Discovery Counseling Center, Community Solutions, the YMCA, the Morgan Hill Police Department and the Morgan Hill Unified School District met to discuss what we can do as a community to address the fear and anxiety being experienced by many of our youth during these very difficult times. These amazing child advocates discussed community counseling opportunities, projects like family safety planning, and an overall commitment to supporting the emotional, psychological and physical well-being of our youth.
I have highlighted only four examples of how members of our community have taken the initiative to support our youth and make our youth feel valued. They and many others who individually or collectively work with or support our youth deserve a sincere and heartfelt “Thank you!” I am inspired by the amount of community support for our youth. I thank all of you for prioritizing our community’s greatest asset – our young people. Let us continue to show them that Morgan Hill truly values them.
