Brother Martin students Chase Bell ‘16 and Francisco Garcia ‘18 participated in the 2015-2016 Crimestoppers GNO Teen Ambassadors Against Crime (TAAC) program. An end of the year celebration was held on Thursday, June 2, 2016 in the Bro. Mark Thornton Terrace room on the campus of Brother Martin. Representing the 46 graduates from the program, these two young men participated in various meetings throughout the school year which focused on leadership skills and law enforcement. These various meetings consisted of Night Out Against Crime, JPSO Crime Laboratory, New Orleans Family Justice Center, just to name a few. Guest speakers such as Crimestoppers GNO President /CEO Darlene Cusanza, Youth Crime Prevention Committee Chair Pam Schafer, U.S. Marshal Genny May, and many more speakers all congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to be leaders in the community.
In addition, Chase was part of a winning team for the Speak Up Save Lives Scholarship contest for submitting a video “It Could Happen to You” that focused on safety and anti- violent advocacy initiatives within communities.
“The TAAC program allows groups of dynamic, young leaders the opportunity to pass along the message of empowerment and service to others. Established in 2010, TAAC helps students gain a better understanding of the criminal justice arena, including the role students can and do play in community safety. The program encourages youth to become active participants in crime prevention so that they can become future leaders who can make a positive impact in our community.” Crimestoppers GNO