Dear Cumming Home,

I'm writing in regards about a program that has just been expelled from the Forsyth County School System.

Our county has mentioned how today's youth is becoming much worse as far as bullying, segregation, and behavior goes. The following program is the one thing that has helped and would be able do so much more if Forsyth County gave it a chance.

During my middle school career I remember being in a program called Niyelo. Niyelo means “It’s up to you." This is a team building program that puts children from all different backgrounds into one room. Basically you set personal behavior and team goals everyday for your group and then work together to accomplish them. It’s a ropes course, rock climbing, high and low element program that you get to experience by working together and growing as an individual and as a team.

I am now a senior at Forsyth Central and I was lucky enough to be apart of this program all three years while I was at Otwell Middle. It honestly changed my life. It deals with peer pressure, self esteem, and problem solving techniques that you can't just get anywhere else. The leadership skills and maturity I have developed through my middle and high school years are because of the people and program itself. It’s an amazing program and I honestly believe if we could put it in the high school and keep it in the middle schools, it would REALLY help the present and future problems.

Unfortunately many people don't understand the program or the great things that come out of it which has caused current principals and board directors to get rid of the program all together. Big mistake. I guarantee in the first year that Forsyth County does not have this program; our problems will increase and expand.

Everyone is sitting around looking for something to help this spiraling community when they just got rid of the best program and answer they could possibly get!

I'm trying to make Forsyth County aware of this program. It means to much to me and so many other students, teachers, and parents to just watch it go down in flames.

Every little bit counts and I was hoping maybe putting an article like this in the paper or news could help people understand the importance and accomplishment this program brings.

There is a week long summer camp next week at the Forsyth Central and North Forsyth courses. If you would like, I would love for you to come an experience the program first hand.

Click HERE for more in-depth look...

Thank you for your time,

Kathy Leigh Spear
Cumming, Ga