Bradley Reuben Johnson Chief Financial Officer | Cobb County School District
Bradley Reuben Johnson Chief Financial Officer | Cobb County School District
On Sunday, December 8, the Performing Arts Center at Osborne hosted an event where 45 student-athletes celebrated their completion of the Power of Peace Project's "Protect the Dream" course. The event featured several special guests and community members.
Among those in attendance were Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, District Director of Athletics Don Baker, Osborne Principal Troy Jones, Athletic Director Ron Boggs, and local education and sports figure Dr. Gordon Pritz. Atlanta Braves centerfielder Michael Harris served as the guest speaker.
The "Protect the Dream" program focuses on character and leadership development for student-athletes, aiming to cultivate positive role models within schools. It has been implemented in most high schools across Cobb County. Kit Cummings and his team teach students how to design and safeguard significant life goals while promoting positivity.
Michael Harris was warmly received by attendees when introduced by Kit Cummings. Cummings expressed admiration for Harris both as a player and as a person: "I am a big fan of your game and how you play, but I am even bigger of a fan of how you live your life and serve as an example," he said.
Harris encouraged students with his remarks: "It doesn't matter if you're the biggest and strongest on the field; what matters is what you do off the field," he stated. He advised them to follow their dreams despite external pressures and wished them success in their future endeavors. Before departing for another engagement, Harris promised to wear his Protect the Dream wristband during games next season.
Five students from Osborne shared essays reflecting on their experiences in the program, discussing personal insights gained about themselves, their ambitions, and the sports figures they studied.
Superintendent Ragsdale was introduced by Principal Jones to address the students. Reflecting on his own athletic background in high school baseball and track, Ragsdale emphasized teamwork's importance both in sports and life: "When you're on a team, you are not a team of one. You're all working together toward a common goal," he said. He expressed gratitude towards Kit Cummings and his team for their contributions through this program.
The event concluded with acknowledgments for Kit Cummings and POPP's efforts in supporting Cobb students' aspirations.
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