On Monday, March 28, 2009 between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM – about 100 young people gathered at the historically rich Chestnut Street Family YMCA (Louisville, KY) to participate in the very first S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program (more commonly referred to as STARS YEP).

The program was held in conjunction with The AC Green Foundation, the Chestnut Family YMCA, and Chick-fil-a. Throughout the day local celebrities, former basketball standouts, and community leaders made time out of their busy schedules to encourage the young participants.

The following individuals were inaugural guests: Former NBA star and the founder at the AC Green Youth Foundation AC Green; former U of L standout and European Football League Superbowl Champion and MVP Tony Stallings; Vice President of Education and Development/Chief Learning Officer of Norton Healthcare and youth community leader Al Cornish; Clinical Services Supervisor for Transition Housing, LLC Rodney Brannon, MSSW; and a former member of the New York Giants (and the coach and owner of the 2001 Ohio Valley Football League) Superbowl Champions, a minor league professional team based out of Bowling Green, KY, Boris Byrd.

Each participant was served a hot breakfast and lunch provided by the event’s key sponsor Chick-fil-a. The late Chick-fil-A founder, Truett Cathy, believed that leadership is vital to the success of our country. Developing future leaders among youth was one of Mr. Cathy‘s chief priorities throughout his many decades in business. “What a great way for kids to spend their spring break this year!” He went on to say that “they were pleased to provide both a hot breakfast and lunch to the kids participating during spring break at the S.T.A.R.S. life skills program for area youth.”

The life skills sessions provided for the first camp were as follows: YOU Are The S.T.A.R.S.!, Money Matters, and Your Health Matters!-Taking Care of YOU. There were multiple sessions helping to develop their physical skills on the court and how to make smart choices off of it. Some of the drills that the children participated in were: dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, strength, and conditioning.

Throughout the day local celebrities, former basketball standouts, and community leaders took time out of their busy schedules to encourage our youth. They all understand the importance of helping our future leaders in developing their niche.

Today, STARS YEP continues to best serve its community by finding innovative ways to bring people together. Our organization offers motivational leadership workshops, Dale Ellis retail apparel, high quality life skills and sports camps to young people, complimentary coaches workshops (made available by Sellers Interactive Coaches Clinics) fundamental publications such as Co -author,
Coach Mike Jarvis’ essential book Skills for Life.