BFF Facts
Search Results for:
Best Friends Foundation 2020 & 2021 Scholarship Award Recipients
Best Friends Foundation Scholarship Award Recipients
2020 BFF Scholarship Recipients
and Student Leadership Advisory Council Members
and Student Leadership Advisory Council Members
Natural Taylor – Harvard University
Dayja Burton – Temple University
2021 BFF Scholarship recipients
Demontray Pollard – Lincoln University – Business
Jewel Joyner- Trinity Washington University – Biology
Angel Mendoza – University of DC Community College – Computer Science
Sea’aira James – Howard University – Business Marketing
Thomas Asefa – University of Colorado Denver – Biology
Fajr Kelly – North Carolina A & T – Finance
Gabrielle Johnson – North Carolina A & T – Business Administration
Alliyah Matthews – Winston Salem University – Psychology
Ama Akoto – New York University – Individualized Study
Sorochi Ewelike – Kent State University – Biochemistry
Kayla Adams – Prince George’s Community College – Computer Engineering
Ciera Townsend – Old Dominion University – Biology
Adiya Jones – Buffalo State University – Psychology
Jazmin Smith – Old Dominion University – Elementary Education
Darlyn Lool Acabal – Brigham Young University
Yeira Malera – Trinity Washington University
Isabel Lopez Santiago – Johns Hopkins University – Molecular & Cellular Biology
Seth Smith – University of Maryland College Park – Biology
Home OLD
The Best Friends Foundation strives to provide a nationwide network of programs dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents.
BFF provides scientifically researched, evidence-based, and developmentally sound curricula designed for grades fifth through twelfth grade. 6,000 students, in 100 schools in 26 school districts, have learned through our program that the Best Friend to have by your side is one who helps you to be a better person; who helps you gain self-respect through building self-control.The Foundation promotes self-respect through the practice of self-control and provides participants the skills, guidance, and support to reject bullying, relationship violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. In the spirit of true friendship, the Best Friends Foundation provides positive peer groups for adolescents and creates an environment that raises aspirations and promotes achievement.
Elementary and Middle Schoolers,
Please Watch This Video:
Please Watch This Video:
Its Not Cool to Be Mean Dance Instruction
Watch Fitness Director and Choreographer Ms. Rita Burns and BFF Instructor and Performer Rosalynd Harris, teach you how to dance to the BFF original song “It’s Not Cool To Be Mean.” Students, create a cell phone video of you dancing to the chant Don’t be a bully, don’t do it (4x) and add the chorus It’s not cool to be mean If you know what I mean It’s not cool to be mean If you know what I mean No intimidation No domination Stop the violence across the nation, then send it to us with your first name and last initial, your grade, and your school at Bffseminar@gmail.com and we may post your performance on the website. If you get two other kids from your school to send in a cell phone video we will send $100 to your school in your honor.(continued) You can choose to have a pizza party for your class or buy something for the classroom that your teacher approves. You will also receive a certificate from BFF that you participated in our “Kindness is Cooler” project.
*If school is not reinstated this school year, after your cell phone video is posted, ask your mother or father to provide your mailing address to our secure BFF email Bffseminar@gmail.com. We will send a $30 VISA card to you and for each friend who participates, which you can keep for yourself or share with your friends.
Hey students,
What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
YES! Take a look below:
Meet Gia B.7th Grade
Parkside Middle School
Daughters in Danger
"It's not Cool to be Mean"
Slide Anything Popup Preview
Meet Gia B. 7th Grade Virginia
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
Meet Manny 2nd Grade Maryland
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
Meet Harper 4th Grade North Carolina
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
Home new
The Best Friends Foundation strives to provide a nationwide network of programs dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents.
BFF provides scientifically researched, evidence-based, and developmentally sound curricula designed for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Thousands of students in over 100 schools in 24 school districts have learned through our program the spirit of true friendship. The Foundation promotes self-respect through the practice of self-control and provides participants the skills, guidance, and support to reject bullying, relationship violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. The Best Friends Foundation provides positive peer groups for adolescents and creates an environment that raises aspirations and promotes achievement.
Please send us a cell phone video to bffseminar@gmail.com
of the chorus of “Peace is the Word” to receive a $30 Amazon Card.
We may feature it on our website.
of the chorus of “Peace is the Word” to receive a $30 Amazon Card.
We may feature it on our website.
How to Be Your Own Best Friend
Virtual Workshop | High School DCPS: Roosevelt HS and McKinley Tech HS
Virtual Workshop Student Quotes:
“I enjoyed the workshop because I heard ways that I could do to calm myself down in stressful situations.” (Vera)
“The workshop was not only informative but fun and interactive.” (Anis)
“It was very structured and well put together. It was entertaining.” (Kirubel)
“I think that this workshop helps me a lot…to calm my anger or not feel bad when I am thinking negative. It is an excellent workshop because so many young people need to learn this too.” (Raul)
“It taught me a lot of ways to think happy thoughts to keep your head up during bad times.” (Samory)
“I learned how to turn a negative into a positive.” (Daisjah)
“Your workshop gave out very useful advice that I will always use throughout my life to get me through tough times like now.” (Adam)
Daughters in Danger
"It's not Cool to be Mean"
Virtual Workshop Faculty Quotes:
“The students that attended were engaged, which is great.” (9th Grade Teacher, Roosevelt HS)
“It was informative and relatable for our students.” (School Counselor, Roosevelt HS)
“The workshop was positive, informative, engaging and fun!” (School Counselor, Roosevelt HS)
“I was able to gain some insight from students. This information will help to shape how we deliver instruction in the future.” (World History Teacher, Roosevelt HS)
“The workshop rated a #1 (BEST) on my scale! It was educational, engaging, exciting, and timed just perfectly! “Bravo” once again.” (College and Career Coordinator, Roosevelt HS)
Meet Gia B. 7th Grade Virginia
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
Meet Manny 2nd Grade Maryland
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
Meet Harper 4th Grade North Carolina
It's Not Cool to Be Mean Student Videos
Hey students, What are you doing during COVID-19 to help others? Can you do anything at home while you are socially distant?
How to be Your own Best Friend May 28th Workshop
Life Lessons for 6th – 12th Graders!
Here is a sample. (Click image for full lesson):
How to be Your Own Best Friend
May 28th Workshop
Peace is the Word
The Power of Music
Assertive Versus Aggressive Speak
Best Friends Foundation Scholarship Award Recipients
Best Friends Foundation Scholarship Award Recipients
Meet Eli White! The BFF Fred Malek Scholarship Award winner. Click here to read his essay.
Watch Eli’s Performance of “It’s Not Cool to Be Mean” at the BFF Kindness is Cooler Seminar at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.
Watch Eli’s performance of “Better As One” at the BFF Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence Seminar at Roosevelt High School.
Here, Eli is talking about coming together after a major hurricane, but it also holds true to the COVID-19 virus.
Meet Rosalynd Harris! The BFF Pamela Howar Vocational Scholarship Award winner.
Click here to read her acceptance and thank you letters.
Watch Rosalynd dance to “No More” at the BFF Stop The Silence Prevent the Violence Seminar at Roosevelt High School.
Best Friends Foundation in the News
Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence
Bullying and relationship violence are real threats to students. By educating middle and high schoolers, we are able to prevent this type of violence from touching their lives in the future. We promote positive decision making, risk avoidance, and character education through interactive discussions, videos, and music. “LifeZette” OpEd The Violence in our Schools Must StopViolence Abuse Protocol
Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence. Violence Abuse Protocol
Download Our PDF The Best Friends Foundation was a recipient of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthy Marriage/ Healthy Relationships grant for middle and high school students. An important component of the grant was the focus on teen violence and abuse in intimate relationships. We want to expand our program to offer our HHS approved curriculum and Violence and Abuse Prevention Protocol to more students and teachers in the Washington, DC area and to extend the bullying prevention program, an offshoot of the risk prevention Best Friends/Best Men curriculum promoted in schools with US Department of Education funding, to elementary and middle schools. The “Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence” Seminars are held at the National 4H Youth Conference Center for elementary and middle school students or on-site after school for high school students. The 4th -8th grade under-served youth are provided bus transportation for the field trip seminars, where they receive lunch and snacks, seminar materials, booklets, t-shirts, and resource information for parents. High school students also receive these items and are invited to be “peer facilitators” who commit to helping students in crisis access services in the school and community. High schoolers learn to recognize early warning signs of abuse, how to help friends and family members who are victims or perpetrators of abuse, understand the cycle of abuse, and how to utilize community resources. They also participate in small breakout sessions with information on topics such as: What’s Wrong with Marijuana, Specific Drugs and Their Effects, Sex and Alcohol, “Animal vs. Honorable”, Respect Rap video, Traits of a Leader. The middle schoolers learn the definition of bullying and cyberbullying, constructive approaches to confronting and discussing bullying with friends, empathy and identification with the target of bullying, the motivations of the bully, and when and how to seek help from caring adult and where to go. During the breakout sessions, middle school girls focus on a “My Self-Respect” activity, and boys work with role model teachers on “Respect, the Real Deal.” Through the utilization of evidence based curriculum which encourages stu-dents to think about the impact of their behavior on their peer groups and to work toward future success both in school and in the job market, the seminar provides a much needed opportunity for students to consider how their actions affect their future. The elementary and middle school program is designed to teach skills in the intervention with peers who are bullying and to motivate their rejection of the bystander mentality. 2016 evaluation data showed that 20% of elementary school students, 39% of middle school students, and 38% of high school students were bystanders to bullying. 27% of high school students, 30% of middle school students, and 32% of elementary school students had been bullied. We know that students who bully are often drawn to the use of drugs and alcohol. Marijuana use has increased in middle school. Our evaluation data demonstrated that 27% of middle school students have used drugs and alcohol. In our post-seminar survey of 71% of elementary school students, 74% of middle School students, and 71% of high school students said the seminar caused them to think about their behavior. 76% of elementary and middle school students and 34% of high school students said that they need to change their behavior.
Conference Photos
Conference Photos from Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence.
Stop the Silence
Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence
Bullying and relationship violence are real threats to students. By educating middle and high schoolers, we are able to prevent this type of violence from touching their lives in the future. We promote positive decision making, risk avoidance, and character education through interactive discussions, videos, and music. This is how we do it.
Best Friends Want You to Know
Download PDFFacts About Dating Violence & What You Can Do
Download PDF
I love Best Friends, and hope to come back someday.
ES student
This is really good, and other people need to go here.
ES student
Our students truly embraced the experience, and it was obvious to their teachers.
ES teacher
This program was very helpful and influential.
HS teacher
Events
Events
Upcoming Events
- • 2020
- • 2019
- • 2018
- • 2017
- • 2016
- • 2015
- • 2014
- • 2011
- • 2010
- • 2009
- • 2008
- • 2007
- • 2006
Past Events
January 17th
Washington, D.C. – Kindness is Cooler Anti-Bullying Seminar and Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence Seminar at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park
March 7th
Congressional Meeting on the Hill with Congressman Aderholt and a scholarship student
April 30th
Congressional Meeting on the Hill with Congressman Meadows and Congressman Quigley’s office Education Expert
June 6th
Award Best Friends Foundation College Scholarship to students at the McKinley Tech High school Senior Awards Ceremony
January 10th
Washington, D.C.- Best Friends Foundation held a College and Career Readiness Workshop at Roosevelt High School
January 31st
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Relationship Violence seminar for high school students at McKinley Tech High School
February 28th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Kindness is Cooler: Anti-Bullying seminar for elementary school students at the 4-H Center
February 14th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held a Healthy Relationships Workshop at Roosevelt High School
March 22nd
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation sponsored and judged the Miss Excellence Pageant. BFF awarded scholarship money to the first, second, and third place winners.
April 12th
Greensboro, North Carolina- Best Friends Foundation held the Kindness is Cooler: Anti-Bullying seminar for elementary school students at David Jones Elementary School.
May 3rd
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Relationship Violence seminar for high school students at Roosevelt High School
May 15th
Roosevelt High School students were awarded Best Friends Foundation College Scholarships.
May 24th
Elayne Bennett’s Op-Ed was featured in LifeZette
May 31st
Elayne Bennett was interviewed on FOX News The Story with Martha MacCallum.
June 4th
Washington, D.C. – McKinley Tech High School students were awarded Best Friends Foundation College Scholarships
September 19th
Washington D.C.- Best Friends participate in Back to School Night at Roosevelt High School
February 28th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Relationship Violence seminar for high school students at McKinley Tech High School
March 9th
Washington, D.C.- Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-Bullying seminar for middle school students at the 4-H Center
March 23rd
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-Bullying seminar for elementary school students at the 4-H Center
April 25th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop The Silence, Prevent the Violence: Relationship Violence seminar for high school students at Roosevelt High School
December 6th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held a Kindness is Cooler:Anti-Bullying assembly for elementary school students at Marie Reed Elementary School.
April 20th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-bullying seminar for middle school students at the 4-H Center
March 3rd
Washington, D.C. – Mayors Office On Women’s Policy And Initiatives (MOWPI) awarded Elayne Bennett the Washington Woman of Excellence Award
March 10th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-bullying seminar for elementary school students at the 4-H Center
February 14-17
Myrtle Beach, SC – Elayne Bennett participated in training sessions, Board of Directors Meeting, and podcast interview at the National Dropout Prevention Network Conference
January 28th
Washington, D.C. – Best Friends Foundation held the Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-bullying seminar for high school students at McKinley Tech Highschool
May 11-12
New Orleans, LA – Elayne attended USA Funds conference on preparing students for the work force.
April 30th
Washington, D.C. – Elayne Bennett attended the Salem Broadcasting reception at US Capitol regarding media and cultural issues
April 22nd
Best Friends Foundation held the Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence: Anti-bullying seminar for elementary and middle school students at the 4-H Center.
October 25-27
San Antonio TX – Elayne Bennett attended training sessions on innovative practices in education.
November 2-4
Louisville, KY – Elayne Bennett attended the National Dropout Prevention Board of Directors Meeting and school administrators and teacher training conference.
June 11, 2014
Diamond Girl and Best Men Leadership Seminar, National 4H Center
June 3, 2014
Elayne Bennett attended the National Dropout Prevention Board meeting in Atlanta, GA.
June
Asheville, NC – Elayne Bennett spoke about adolescent current trends in youth behavior today.
April 28 – 30, 2014
Milken Institute Global Conference, Los Angeles
May
Orlando, FL – Elayne Bennett was interviewed on Carl Jackson Radio about Daughters in Danger: Helping Our Girls Thrive in Today’s Culture.
March 5, 2014
World Over: Raymond Arroyo interviews Elayne Bennett on her book Daughters in Danger.
February
Washington, D.C. – Elayne Bennet was a guest on The O’Reilly Factor, and was interviewed on her book Daughters in Danger: Helping Our Girls Thrive in Today’s Culture.
November, 2011
Greater Washington: Give to the Max Day was November 9th, 2011.
Please Donate Next Year.
June 17th, 2011
Diamond Girl and Best Men Leadership Recognition Program
Diamond Girl and Best Men Leadership Recognition Program The Diamond Girl and Best Men Leadership Recognition Program was held on Friday, June 17th, 2011 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center on 7100 Connecticut Avenue. A luncheon was served in the Danforth Courtyard and the Recognition Program followed in Aiton Auditorium. The Recognition Program recognized the 2011 Scholarship recipients, the Best Friends Foundation College Council and the achievements of Diamond Girl Leadership, Best Men Leadership, Potomac Job Corps and the support and dedication of their school principals, coordinators and parents. Open a .pdf of pages from the event program booklet for details about the event.
June 17th-18th, 2011
Youth Leadership Summit
The Youth Leadership Summit was held on Friday and Saturday, June 17th and 18th , 2011 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center on 7100 Connecticut Avenue. Sessions for student leaders included: video and discussions about Dating Violence, Healthy Relationships/Healthy Marriage – Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills, College and Career Planning, Networking and Financial Planning.
February 26th, 2011
Dating Violence Prevention Seminar: “Stop the Silence. Prevent the Violence”
In response to the current epidemic of teen violence and abuse the Best Friends Foundation conducted a Dating Violence Prevention Seminar: “Stop the Silence. Prevent the Violence” on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center on 7100 Connecticut Avenue.
The Best Friends Foundation is a recipient of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthy Marriage / Healthy Relationships grant for high school youth. An important component of the grant is the focus on teen violence and abuse in intimate relationships. We would like expand our program to offer our HHS approved curriculum and Violence and Abuse Prevention Protocol to more students and teachers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
The Seminar agenda included an 11:00 a.m. performance of the “Yellow Dress” by Deana’s Educational Theater and a presentation by Best Friends Foundation Leadership students entitled “Make Music Not Madness” which promoted positive peer relationships through music and dance. The performances were followed by a question and answer period with Dr. Robert DuPont a graduate of the Harvard Medical School and a nationally recognized expert on substance abuse. Dr. DuPont is the founding president of the Institute for Behavior and Health. Lunch was provided and a workshop on Conflict Resolution and Communication Skills followed in the afternoon.
If you have any questions regarding the seminar, please contact either Pauline Hamlette at 202.478.9683 or by email at phamlette@bestfriendsfoundation.org or Elayne Bennett at ebennett@bestfriendsfoundation.org for more information.
September 10th-12th, 2010
The National Youth Leadership Summit
This event was held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in DC and was sponsored by the HHS Healthy Relationships/Healthy Marriage grant. An expert guest speaker panel included Dr. Curtis Adams, author and psychiatrist; Judge Reggie Walton, U.S. District Judge, District of Columbia; Judge Anita Josey-Herring, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Seth Leibsohn, Producer/Director of Research “Morning in America” radio talk show and Claremont Institute Fellow; Seth’s wife Elaine Leibsohn, an expert in community relations/strategic partnerships and a featured speaker at numerous national conferences; and Kyle Mims a former Best Men member and graduate of Temple University in 2010. There was also a dance for leadership students on Saturday night. Some topics addressed at the summit included: Benefits of Healthy Relationships and Marriage, Drugs and Alcohol, Dating Violence, and AIDs and STDs.
May 13th, 2010
The 2010 Foundation Annual Fundraising Event
Held Thursday evening May 13th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC. You can go to the event web page to view details of this year’s event. Please plan to attend next year.
January 7th, 2010
Holiday Party for Diamond Girl Leadership
Best Men Leadership was held at Catholic University in Caldwell Hall from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Thursday January 7th, 2010.
September 11-13, 2009
2009 Best Friends Foundation National Youth Leadership Summit
Held September 11th – 13th at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. See a .pdf of the newsletter for this event, “The Leader.”
June 5th, 2009
2009 Foundation Annual Fundraising Event “Make Music Not Madness”
Held Friday evening June 5th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC. Attendees, donors and distinguished guests enjoyed a heartwarming evening of great music, dining and dancing to benefit our DC students. Best Friends celebrates 22 years of programs that “Make Music Not Madness.”
The Best Friends Foundation expresses our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended and donated to benefit our services to youth. We especially wish to thank these donors:
Benefactor Council Susan and Lawrence Kadish
Patron Council Elayne and Bill Bennett, GEICO, Jim Kimsey-Kimsey Foundation, Marlene and Fred Malek, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Bill O’Reilly, Transcend Marketing & Events
Friends Council L & S Milken Foundation, Rosenthal Automotive
February 22, 2009 Best Friends Health is Happiness Day
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“Stop the Madness” Panel Luncheon and “Make Music Not Madness” Assembly 12:00p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For additional Health is Happiness Day Information contact: Rita Kelly Burns at 202.478.9677 rburns@bestfriendsfoundation.org.
February 20-22, 2009
Best Friends Foundation National Training Conference
F Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Road, NW
Washington, DC 20015
For additonal Training Conference and Luncheon information contact: Ann Goldsmith at 202.478.9677 agoldsmith@bestfriendsfoundation.org .
December 13, 2008
Holiday Party
The Holiday Party for Best Friends and Best Men mentors and the College Council students was held on Saturday, December 13th at Catholic University. Christmas came early for the Metropolitan Leadership Choir, Best Men Leadership Step Team, and Diamond Girl Leadership Dance Troupe as they performed at the Angel for a Day celebration on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Approximately 500 children from area schools enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon of carols, games, and activities. A highlight was a Secret Santa room where approximately 1000 toys were distributed.
Sponsored by the DC Young Men’s Leadership Team, the fifth annual holiday event brought smiles to the faces of all who attended. Special guest Bishop Martin D. Holley of the Archdiocese of Washington DC commended the young people for their hard work and spirit of service and expressed his gratitude to those who “gave so generously of their time and effort to provide such joy and hope to the young children.”
September 5-7, 2008
2008 Best Friends Foundation National Youth Leadership Summit Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.
On Saturday, a luncheon and panel discussion with distinguished guests was led by Elayne Bennett and Carol Platt Liebau, author of Prude: How The Sex Obsessed Culture Damages Girls.
This is the 3rd year of our Stop the Madness panel on the importance of healthy relationships and prevention of alcohol and drug use, sex, and violence among adolescents. The panel included community leaders from the Metro D.C. area who share a concern for today’s youth. The panel discussion was followed by a production of Make Music Not Madness, which aims to promote among our youth “music” activities which enrich, inspire and uplift instead of “madness” activities which degrade, depress and lead to danger.
May 9, 2008
The 2008 Foundation Annual Fundraising Event
Held Friday evening May 9th at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Entertainers were Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. (original members of the 5th Dimension), The Drifters and Chuck Brown. Donors and guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and fun at what has been called “Washington’s best party.” The Foundation is very grateful to all donors and guests for their generosity and attendance. See a .pdf file with pictures/info from the event.
July 22-25, 2007
Youth Leadership Summit
Washington, DC – Youth and adult men tors from Washington, DC and across the nation participated in the Best Friends Foundation’s third annual National Youth Leadership Summit – Today’s Leaders, Tomorrow’s Future at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, July 22-25, 2007. Over 150 youth leaders attended this national leadership summit to hear from presenters and engage in discussions that address the current state of youth. Each youth leader gained a greater knowledge on how to avoid violence, drugs, alcohol and premarital sex, as well as listened to presentations on college/career prep and financial planning.
Summit Highlights:
John Walters, Director of The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, spoke to youth leaders from around the country during a keynote luncheon address: “The Current State of Adolescent Drug Use.”
“Stop The Madness,” panel discussion. Experts discussed issues and solutions regarding adolescent risk behavior. Panelists included The Honorable Robert Flores, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; Dr. David Murray, Chief Scientist for Counter-Drug Technology Assessment Center, Office of National Drug Control Policy; Jose Dominguez, Director of Grants Administration, DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation; Tyrone C. Parker, Co-founder and Executive Director of Alliance for Concerned Men; Beverly Watts Davis, Senior Advisor on Substance Abuse Policy, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA); and Seth Leibsohn, Producer of William Bennett’s “Morning In America” radio show. Best Friends Foundation Founder and President, Elayne Bennett, served as moderator.
Best Friends Foundation’s student musical production, “Make Music Not Madness,” with special guest appearance by acclaimed singer and actress Melba Moore, most recognized for making history as Luttiebelle in the Broadway production “Purlie,”” and becoming the first black actress to win a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress.
May 11, 2007
DC Recognition Ceremony 20th Anniversary
Washington, DC – Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. This ceremony recognized the achievements of the DC Best Friends, Diamond Girls Leadership, Best Men and Best Men Leadership and the dedication of their school principals, coordinators, parents and teacher mentors. Guest speakers were Will A. Gunn, President and CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and George Sanker, Principal Hope Community Charter School. The audience was treated to special performances from Make Music Not Madness.
April 27, 2007
“Rockin’ at The Ritz” Annual Fundraising Event
Foundation Annual Fundraising Event ”Rockin’ at The Ritz” was held on Friday evening April 27th, 2007 at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC. Performers this year were Fabian, Jerry Butler, Barbara Lewis and Bobby Vee & The Vees.
August 9-12, 2006
Youth Leadership Summit
Best Friends Foundation National Youth Leadership Summit -Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC.
June 9, 2006
Milwaukee Recognition Ceremony
Read about this year’s Recognition Ceremonies held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Milwaukee Airport. This Best Friends Recognition ceremony included essay winners reading their submissions to the parents and teachers present. All parents, coordinators and Best Friends School principles were also recognized.
The Diamond Girl Recognition Ceremony included a solo performance by Diana and a poem reading by Shanice. Clarice gave a welcome address to upcoming 9th graders and Trisha and Clarice spoke about, “Why stay in Diamond Girls.” Diamond Girl essays were also read. Myquisha led the Goodbye to Seniors. The event also included a student dance and a performance by the Jazz Choir.
Pat Kirby, Best Friends Program Coordinator
June 6, 2006
Newark Diamond Girl Recognition Ceremony
Newark, New Jersey – New Jersey Institute of Technology
The Diamond Girls of Newark, New Jersey came together to perform songs, poems, and step routines for friends and family at their School and Family Recognition Ceremony. The Mistress of Ceremonies, for the evening, was Miss Danielle Brown, former Best Friend and Diamond Girl. Diamond Girls and their family enjoyed a buffet dinner and listened to Newark Councilwoman at large Ms. Bessie Walker speak about sisterhood. The entertainment included a slideshow of this year’s Diamond Girl events, a poem written and read by Amma and recognition of all Diamond Girls and rising ninth graders. Scholarship award winners were recognized and the Creative Movement Dance Troupe did a Step and Dance routine. University High School girls put on a drama presentation.
Q. Yolanda Simmons, Diamond Girls Leadership Program Coordinator
May 23, 2006
DC Recognition Ceremony
Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
DC’s ceremony featured Kathy Sledge, lead singer of Sister Sledge, Angela McGlowan, Fox News political analyst, Todd Pride, Founder of Sullivan Community Capital LLC and George Sanker, Principal of Hope Community Charter School.
The ceremony had special performances from: Make Music Not Madness, Diamond Girl Choir, Diamond Girl Performance Dance Troupe, Frequency Reset Dance Group and special performances with Best Friends and Best Men from: Amidon, Brightwood, Ferebee Hope, Gage Eckington, Orr, Park View, and Simon Elementary Schools, Friendship Edison Public Charter School Jefferson, Kelly Miller, MacFarland, Ron Brown and Sousa Middle Schools, Shaw Junior High School P.R. Harris and Fletcher Johnson Educational Centers
May 16, 2006
Pittsburgh Recognition Ceremony
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Holiday Inn Select, University Center
Pittsburgh’s ceremony included recognizing students from both middle schools. Theresa, Denise and Danielle won Friendship Awards. L Nice was teh Essay Winner and Ms. Nolan was named most dedicated mentor. The Best Friend Girl Achievement Award went to Betty (for best attendance) and Chelsye. All Best Friends girls received a jewelry charm to recognize their commitment to the program throughout the year.
Peg Foster, Best Friends Program Director
May 12, 2006
Martinsville Recognition Ceremony
Martinsville, Virginia, Martinville Middle School
The program included two distinguished speakers: Latrice Mitchell, a former Martinsville Best Friend/Diamond Girl, and Nancy Redd, former Miss Virginia. Latrice was iint eh first Best Friends class at Martinsville Middle School. She was also in the first class of Diamond Girls to graduate from Martinsville High School. Currently, Latrice is studying Early Childhood Education at Patrick Henry Community College. She looks forward to completing her bachelor’s degree and teaching elementary education. Nancy Redd graduatd with honors from Harvard University in 2003. She majored in Women’s Studies. She was namded Miss Virginia in 2003 and went on to the top 10 at Miss America 2004. As an undergraduate Nancy was seleccted as one of Glamour Magazine’s Top 10 Colleg Women “most likely to succceed – at anything!”” She supports a number of charities including 4_H and Martinville’s local Free-Clinic. Recently, Redd became a spokesperson for the Dale Carnegie Institute’s newest book How to Win Friends and Influence People for teens.
The Recognition Program also included dance numbers from the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. It concluded with all the girls singing the Best Friend theme song. Mentors were named in the program and honored. Supporters of this site include The Lucy Sale Foundation, Martinsville Virginia.
Carolyn Baptist, Best Friends Program Director
May 9, 2006
Indian River Recognition Ceremony
Indian River, Florida – Marsh Landing Restaurant, Fellsmere, Florida
This event was an awards luncheon for the Best Friends and Best Men of Indian River, Florida. Marcia Blackburn, local supporter of the program gave the Invocation Address. Dr. Martha McAdams, Principle of Sebastian Charter Jr. High School and Best Friends Program Director introduced Essay Contest Winners. The guest speaker was Ricki Klaus, a student from the University of Florida. Elayne Bennett was also on hand to make some remarks about this program. The event concluded with Best Friends and Best Men Awards, a performance by the 6th graders from Sebastian Jr. High School and a video presentation.
Dr. Martha McAdams, Best Friends Program Director
May 5, 2006
Charlotte Recognition Ceremony, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Halton Arena
This event was attended by 2000 people! 500 students had a part in the ceremony while supportive parents, families and mentors cheered them on. The Diamond Girl Jazz Choir performed classic American Jazz songs. 175 Best Friends girls performed the Best Friends Theme Song and Step Chant. The Best Men boys from three schools performed a step drill about the four quadrants of the Best Men shield. Over 100 8th 
grade girls received a blue “Diamond Girl” sash to signify their transition into the Diamond Girl Leadership Program. The 8th grade boys received a Best Men Medallion of the Best Men shield. Seventeen graduating Diamond Girl seniors were presented in lovely formal gowns as they were escorted by a parent or grand parent. Fourteen seniors were honored with a college scholarship presented by Lesley Long, National Diamond Girl Program Director. Speakers for the ceremony included Anthony Bucci, Assistant Superintendent, and four middle school principals: Dr. Terry Brown, Cochrane Middle School; Kevin Carr, Ranson Middle School; Jamal Crawford, Northridge Middle School; and Raynard Lee, James Martin Middle School. The ceremony also included a special recognition of school advisors. The grand finale of the ceremony is a favorite Charlotte tradition. The 40 member Diamond Girl Step Team performed in perfect synchronization to a cheering crowd.
Diane Glover, Best Friends and Best Men Program Director
Daughters in Danger
"It's not Cool to be Mean"
Best Friends
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Best Friends is a school-based character education program for girls that begins in the fifth grade and continues through high school graduation. It provides a developmentally sound curriculum that promotes fun, companionship, and caring leading to graduation from high school with specific college, vocational, or career plans.
Excellence & Ethics
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Excellence & Ethics is produced by The Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility), SUNY Cortland’s School of Edu-cation. Excellence & Ethics features K-12 best practices and themed issues for educators and parents. Download the PDF.
Best Men
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Best Men defines a man as having strength and courage balanced with stability and as one who exhibits foresight and believes in truth and justice.
Best Men Leadership Creed
Best Men Leadership Creed
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Campaign to Prevent Teen
A study released by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy found that 37% of teens said their parents are most likely to influence their decisions about sex. Friends came in second at 33%, followed by siblings at 6% and the media at 5%.
Remember the Children
Conference Photos
Conference Photos from Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence.
Stop the Silence
Stop the Silence, Prevent the Violence
Bullying and relationship violence are real threats to students. By educating middle and high schoolers, we are able to prevent this type of violence from touching their lives in the future. We promote positive decision making, risk avoidance, and character education through interactive discussions, videos, and music. This is how we do it.