D.R.E.A.M. Team (Daring to Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) is an experiential training program held throughout the school year. School site personnel initiate the DREAM Team program often as an outgrowth of the Coach & Captain Retreat or Student Athlete Summer Insititute (SASI). The NC High School Athletic Association's role is to provide training and on-going support.
D.R.E.A.M. Team student athletes participate in training sessions that include instruction in effective communication skills and presentation methods, role modeling, mentoring, and positive lifestyle choices. They select and plan services for elementary schools, middle schools, community organizations, and/or their own high school. D.R.E.A.M. Team participants meet regularly on an arranged schedule to prepare and carry out their projects and activities. Activities are often accomplished in collaboration with other school leadership programs.
Three roles that D.R.E.A.M. Team student-athletes assume:
- Role models and mentors when visiting elementary and middle schools to make presentations, tutor students, and assist officers with the DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) Program.
- Peer helpers for in-coming students who are new to the school.
- School ambassadors during athletic events and at local civic organizations telling about D.R.E.A.M. Team purposes, performing community service activities, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
D.R.E.A.M. Team Activities and Programs
Here are a few things that D.R.E.A.M. Teams are doing across the state:
- Presentations to elementary and middle school students
- Making good choices
- Alcohol, tobacco and other drug awareness
- Positive sportsmanship
- Healthy lifestyle choices
- Transitioning from middle school to high school
- EOG "Pep Rally" Celebration
- Ninth grade orientation
- Club Fair
- Cheer boxes
- DARE speeches
- Arrive Alive (alcohol use prevention and awareness among underage citizens)
- Keep the Drive (promoting safe driving)
- Prom Promise
- Hats for Hope (March of Dimes fund raiser)
- Bountiful Buckets (act of good sportsmanship towards opponents)
- Teacher Appreciation Night
- ALS Walk
- Toys for Tots/canned food drive
- Special Olympics volunteering
- Relay for Life
- Red Ribbon Week (drug awareness trivia, poster contest, Wall of Memory)
- Keys for Life (Prom emphasis: dangers of drinking and driving)
Let us know what your D.R.E.A.M. Team is doing so that we can share with everyone!