Testimonials

“When I think about CSS, I think about Community, Sisterhood and a Safe Place. I joined the team in middle school and can recall challenging times. My parents had divorced a few years earlier, leaving my mother working night shifts and my sister and I home alone many nights. Often times, I found myself left to my own devices with my sister had her own friends. Not to mention, I excelled in school and unfortunately that wasn’t deemed as “cool.” I can recall being called “white girl” because I had a large vocabulary and was beginning to not want to be smart. Drill team was my turning point. It became my refuge. Tawanda (Wa-Wa) accepted me for me. Unbeknownst to her, she boosted my self-esteem by encouraging my scholarship amongst the team, and made me feel good about excelling at school.

Not to mention, the leadership I acquired as co-captain and sergeant of arms. This was a lesson in effort yielding reward. Additionally, the team gave me sisterhood, something I so desperately yearned for. The drill team was my family. We walked each other home and we had each other’s back. That meant a lot when you didn’t have family in Camden. Lastly, it was my safe place. I could have been running the streets and getting into trouble, but instead was in front of Mrs. Wilda’s house practicing. Drill team kept us focused and out of trouble. It gave us something positive to do. It was not a privilege, and required effort, commitment and good grades. I didn’t know these values were slowly being instilled in me, but am grateful Wa-Wa, Mrs. Wilda, Bam and others gave of themselves for a kid from the most dangerous city in America, whom many think won’t do much in life. Thanks for the encouragement, hugs, loving words, food to eat, money and the list goes on and on. Most importantly, thanks for recognizing that roses can grow from the concrete!”

Shavonne S., CSS Alum

“We were thrilled to have you as part of our Conference. Attendees were “wowed” and continued to comment throughout the afternoon about how talented, how much energy and commitment you brought, what a great selection for the Saturday program to inspire and reinforce the abilities of all youth. In addition to the dancers they were also impressed by the “music-men” . Additionally Rotarians commented on how polite, well-mannered and professionally the group conducted themselves. Emails continued to arrive even after the conference. I hope your tour of Seton Hall University was exciting and informative for you also.”

Louise F., Rotary International District 7470