Former NFL Player Helps Junior School Students 'Dream' About Responsibility

sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders have been introduced to “Dreams for Kids,” a program designed to help instill a sense of responsibility in children ages 7-18 to themselves, their school and their community.

The program was started by Lonnie Allgood, former wide receiver witb the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. To kick off activities, Allgood appeared at the school in late September.

“Lonnie Allgood’s program complements Madison Junior School’s theme for this year, which is to build each other up as individuals by our actions and what we say,” said MJS Assistant Principal Thomas Liss. “This is exciting for Madison Junior School because we are the first school in New Jersey to bring the program into the school at various times throughout the year and incorporate it into our social studies curriculum."

The school's larger goal is to develop life-long learners who are informed, responsible and productive young citizens.

Students in sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade social studies classes take part in team competitions aimed at building responsibility, such as the GFL (Geography Football League), Ultimate Warrior Challenge, and World Cup, and Dreams for Kids support the competitions with prizes. It will also provide similar support for the new MJS incentive program, “."

Allgood’s advice to the students focused on demonstrating respect for themselves and other people in their lives – other students, teachers, parents and the community, as a whole. He told MJS students to “be great people, be great students and to have fun.”  He also advised them to “not take their lives for granted and to take it and make it count, and to be the best person that they could be.” 

Dreams for Kids will provide mentors to the students throughout the year, all of whom are current or former professional athletes who are college-educated and have purposely made the decision to lead their lives as alcohol-, drug- and smoke-free citizens.

Faculty and administration try to achieve this by providing challenging and diverse programs that reflect high expectations of a caring environment.  Opportunities abound to learn effectively, to think critically, and to participate wholeheartedly, both in the classroom and in clubs and sports.