Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 9 : Summer 2011 | Page 43

was trained in the 40 Developmental Assets, and educated their peers and the community about the value of assets. The DA Team immediately resonated with the Asset message and successfully accomplished their goals thru commercials, theme days at school, youth trainings and school campaigns. The team far exceeded their expectations, and it became clear that young people were hungry for the message Developmental Assets had to deliver. In the fall of 2011, with a second year Developmental Asset Team in place, the team focus targeted bullying, and the need for acceptance. Out of their concerns came the idea for a School Pride Day. To the DA Team “School Pride” meant creating a school atmosphere where all students were treated with respect and acceptance. On the morning of March 11, 2011, after months of planning, School Pride Day became a reality. The DA Team raised enough money to purchase a t-shirt for everyone in their school. The shirts read, “Everyone has a story, get to know it”. The purpose of the shirts was to stop the taunting students face for the clothing they wear, for one day, School Pride Day, having the “right” clothes did not matter. There was a powerful feeling of unity as students, staff and volunteers fashioned maroon and gold colored t-shirts at the opening ceremony. The Developmental Asset Team was filled with anxious excitement as they saw several months of brainstorming break-out sessions, lining up guest speakers, raising money, and rehearsing skits, all came to fruition. School Pride Day focused on recognizing the uniqueness of people, breaking down social barriers including judging and labeling others without knowing their story and the harmful effect words can have on people. Throughout the day students commented how nice it was to have the opportunity to discuss some of the issues that concern them. School Pride Day at Caribou Middle School was the epitome of what Developmental Assets is all about, building relationships and connecting!