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 to provide the guidance, skills, ability, and knowledge to be safe, healthy, happy and prepared 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, 220 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: Tabitha Davis, Jonah Sanders, Payton Zurek, and Alexis Napier.
In addition, students also take part in a C.H.A.M.P.S. essay and poster contest; this year’s winners include:
– First Place Winners: Ashton Walker, Honesti Jacobs, Carcynn Jenkins, Gregory Gundy, Cassidy Williams, Khloii Wilcox, Alianah Little, Austin Beal, and Yirmeyah Watts.
– Second Place Winners: Madison Veal, Aryonna Rowland, Kimora Bell, Shalana Harris, Jameria Poole, Jimmie Sanders, Ella Cook, Zyon Brown, and Isaac Branigan.
– Third Place Winners: Tabitha Davis, KeAsia Womble, Kameron Reese, Dalton Palmer, Kaiden Horne, Kari Hope, Skylar Harris, Annabella Reid, and Laila Watts.
The overall winner was Aierell Carlyle.
“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.
Pictured: Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran with Overall Winner Aierell Carlyle and “CHAMP the Dog”
