Choosing Health Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, or C.H.A.M.P.S., was founded in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, to address the challenges youth face.
Sponsored by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, C.H.A.M.P.S. is taught to fifth grade students as an educational to provide guidance and the skills, ability and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy, in preparation for a successful life.
“We care about the future of our youth and making everlasting impressions to help mold them into our future leaders,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.
Recently, 156 fifth graders at Ridge Road Elementary School graduated from the C.H.A.M.P.S. program. Capt. Loretta Middleton of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office serves as the instructor for this program. Some of the topics of the C.H.A.M.P.S. program include: bullying, alcohol and drugs, choices and consequences, ATV safety, internet safety, peer pressure, hunting and firearm safety, gangs, and being home alone.
“We’ve got to make sure that we love our children, that we protect our children, and that we have a positive relationship with our children,” said Capt. Middleton.
During the conclusion of the C.H.A.M.P.S. program, students are given a test; the following students scored 90 or above on that test: Brandi Stephens, Carrenso Thompson, Morgan Roberson, Caleb Lacey, and Cassidy Battle.
In addition, students also take part in a C.H.A.M.P.S. essay and poster contest; this year’s winners by include:
– First Place Winners: Joshua Brookins, Kailei Levitt, Haidyn Bell, Cayden Tanner, Vintorien Scott, Gracie McGraw, Kailey Fort, Lance Watts, and Andrew Walls
– Second Place Winners: Andrea Williams, Khanijah Womble, Jayla Purvey, Chavis Lawrence, Cale Norwood, DeVaughn Smith, Akeyveion Young, Samuel McLeod, and Kaylee Carter
– Third Place Winners: Kamille Fort, Kaliyah Brantley, Jemearah Neal, Ethan Brantley, Jamaryon Woodard, Kamden Reaves, Christiona May, Blessing Ejim, and Faith Watts
The overall winner was Kaitlyn Green.
“I pledge to continue working with our youth and their parents through our many community partnerships to provide the necessary knowledge and information needed to help prepare and cultivate our children into becoming prosperous and productive leaders of tomorrow,” said Sheriff Cochran.
