Richland County teens graduate into manhood Accelerated Learning Resources

Richland County teens graduate into manhood

RICHLAND COUNTY – A group of E.L Wright Middle School students are moving on in academics and in life.

Before the teens graduate next week, they were recognized on Thursday for completing an eight-week course on manhood known as Project NOW WHAT.

“This program has taught me how to plan and be more successful in the things that I do,” says participant Dominique McDaniels.

The 14-year-old is one of four 8^th grade students involved in the new program at E.L. Wright Middle School.

“I came into this program as a young kid and I left a young man,” adds participant Perry Dozier.

Project NOW WHAT focuses on preparing students for the future. It’s taught by parent and law enforcement officer Sgt. Walter McDaniels.

The term NOW WHAT stands for Never Overlook What Will Happen After Today.

“We teach them the importance of what true power is and part of that is knowing when to speak and when not to speak,” Sgt. McDaniels says.

The group also learned the importance of academic excellence, community involvement and what it takes to be successful in life.

Sgt. McDaniels helped the teens to master tying a necktie and the correct way to shake hands.

This marks the first year Project NOW WHAT has been offered at E.L. Wright, but it won’t be the last. Officials want to continue the program, as well as expand it throughout Richland County.

“I am proud of myself and I am proud of everybody that is in it. I am glad that we built this bond and were able to move through it together,” McDaniels says.

As for Sgt. McDaniels, he plans to follow the young men as they enter high school and watch them leave as men.

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