SFASD: New Programs Encourage Bright Futures

Athletic Director Mickey McDaniel and Montgomery County Sheriff Eileen Whalon Behr gave presentations at Monday night's Spring-Ford Area School District board of education meeting. Both presentations discussed programs that would help students become leaders and plan a bright future.

Behr presented the board with opportunities for students looking for future careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. Before she offered these opportunities, Behr wanted to inform the board what the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department does.

"You see our cars throughout the county, but may not know what we do," Behr said. "We assist your local police and are the bomb and explosive unit in the area."

She went on to say the department is combining efforts with the District Attorney's office to hold programs on school safety, including drugs, bullying and cyber bullying.

Behr also told the board that if the schools had high school juniors and seniors that were looking into the law enforcement field then they should send those students to the sheriff's department.

"We encourage you to send them there to spend a day with us," said Behr.

She described it as a one-day internship to see the daily life in the department.

McDaniel presented the board with two programs that student-athletes would take part in starting this year.

One program would implement the teachings of Craig Hilliard, who is a speaker and motivator of student-athletes to better prepare them for leadership roles on their individual teams.

"Since the 1990s, he's dedicated his life to encourage and challenge young people to make the right choices," McDaniel said.

After hearing Hilliard's presentation, McDaniel's 125 student-athletes will be reading his book Playing Beyond the Scoreboard, and studying his philosophy.

"We can't expect our athletes to do a great job without proper guidance to lead and excel," said McDaniel.

There is also an online leadership course offered at highschoolsportsleaders.com that the athletic department is encouraging student athletes to take.

McDaniel also presented on Rick Wire, whose son, Coy, has played in the National Football League since 2002. He is currently a free agent.

Rick Wire started his program, Dynamite Sports, in light of having difficulties finding good recommendations for the right schools to go to for college athletics when helping his son make the selection. He has been coming to Spring-Ford for years to speak to guidance counselors, administrators, teachers, parents and kids about college athletics.

McDaniel was happy to report that Wire will continue his seminar at Spring-Ford.

Superintendent David Goodin also updated the public on the that's currently on the table.

"We took guidance from Phoenixville's policy and began to fold it into ours," Goodin said. "Between now and the October meeting, we're goign to be working to create a policy that works in our district."