CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Police Department’s District 1 Precinct, led by Cpt. David Crockarell and Lt. Ty Burdine, hosted lunch for the Genesis Teen Learning Center Nov. 16.
Veteran Johnny Griffin spoke to the teens. Griffin retired from the military after 22 years of service and is currently working with Chaplain Modesto Martinez in community outreach programs. He talked about making the right decisions, being positive and focused on life goals, teens surrounding themselves with friends who push them in the right direction, and seeking mentorship from successful adult role models.
He quoted Albert Einstein—“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.”
With the questions asked by the teens, they appeared to be very engaged in what Griffin had to say. A few of the questions were, “when are you coming to our school?” and “will you be a mentor?” Griffin said that he would love to be a mentor.
According to the National Collaboration for Youth, informal youth programs are successful in motivating and can positively impact school performance. The CPD will continue to implement relationship building programs with the young people of our community.
Another Albert Einstein quote—“All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.”
As a bonus, Chaplain Martinez brought in pizza for lunch, and they played board games after Griffin spoke.
Photos courtesy of CPD