MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

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MYCP Honors Principal Harry Russell as 2008 Partner of Change

MARATHON, Fla. (469 words) – Because of the significant effort he has made to Be The Change for the youth of Monroe County, Monroe Youth Challenge Program recently honored Marathon Middle School and Marathon High School Principal Harry Russell as the 2008 Partner of Change.

Each year, MCYP staff selects one school administrator to receive the award to recognize the cooperative effort it takes between schools and the non-profit organization to bring quality prevention programs to all youth in Monroe County.

Russell began his partnership as the assistant principal at Stanley Switlik Elementary. He organized several character-development activities as well as alcohol-, tobacco- and other-drug- and violence-prevention programs for his students. He used his skills and talents to create DVD’s and PowerPoint slides of those events that were later used to secure funding for more programs.

Photo credit: MYCP
Celebrating the MYCP 2008 Partner of Change Award Recipient Harry Russell are (from left to right) MYCP District Prevention Coordinator Michele Sutter, Stanley Switlik Elementary Principal Barbara Wright, Superintendent Randy Acevedo, School Board Member John Dick, Marathon Middle and Marathon High School Principal Harry Russell, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, MYCP Director Sunny Booker, Marathon City Manager Clyde Burnett, Marathon High School SAC President and Monroe County Education Foundation Board Member Katrina Wiatt, and MYCP Lower Keys Prevention Coordinator Mindy Vinson.

When he transferred to Horace O’Bryant Middle School, Russell opened the door for change by bringing MYCP-sponsored assemblies to all middle school students in Key West. Those programs still take place.

As the Principal of Marathon High School, Harry is committed to a safe and healthy environment. He recognizes the need for each student and staff to have a feeling of belonging and goes out of his way to create a sense of family for his school community. He reaches out to the business and civic community for involvement and support.

MYCP Director Sunny Booker said, “Harry has embraced MYCP and works with us to meet the needs of his students. We are proud of him for his commitment to making Marathon High School an exemplary model of ‘Be the Change’.”

Superintendent Randy Acevedo said, “I’m not surprised it’s Harry to receive this award. It is well deserved. I watch him sit down to have lunch with the students and ask them questions that shows he has a sincere interest in them.”

Russell humbly accepted the award on behalf of the whole school. He added, “I feel like as a high school principal I’m like a goalie. It’s my job to defend and protect – to remove any barrier and allow the students to do their magic.”

A luncheon was held in his honor Jan. 8 at Key Colony Inn with Superintendent Randy Acevedo, School Board Member John Dick, Marathon City Manager Clyde Burnett, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, Stanley Switlik Elementary Principal Barbara Wright, Marathon High School SAC President and Monroe County Education Foundation Board Member Katrina Wiatt, MYCP Director Sunny Booker, and MYCP staff members Michele Sutter, Nancy Lucas, and Mindy Vinson.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 or visit www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.