B2M GENTLEMEN'S QUARTERLYFALL  2010

Greetings!

On Saturday, November 27, 2010, Boys II Men celebrated its 8th year anniversary. I am simply amazed at how much we have grown since those first 12  B2M Prototypes met at the Quad County Urban League in 2002.

Eight years later, we are still changing minds and changing lives. As you will see in this edition of the B2M GENTLEMEN'S QUARTERLY, young men from elementary school through college are actively shattering stereotypes and striving for excellence. 

Those who are featured in this edition give just a glimpse of the amazing things that are happening in the lives of the Juniors, Phenoms, and Scholars!  There is so much more ... and much more to come!

Thank you for your support of B2M.  Be inspired!

 
 

Respectfully,


Clayton Muhammad
Founder/Director
Boys II Men, Inc.

    www.boys2menonline.org

Featured Phenom...

 DOMINIQUE COOK
Oswego East High School
 Class of 2011
 
"B2M is a family to me.  It inspires you to achieve your wildest dreams and to do what others say that you can't do. B2M is a place where you can be yourself no matter what. You know that everyone has your back and vice versa. It's a true brotherhood. It's just amazing. I'm so proud to be a Phenom! "
THE JUNIORS ENROLL AT B2M 'JUNIORVERSITY'
 
Elementary and middle school graduates of the Fall 2010 Juniorversity!
This fall, B2M expanded its B2M Juniors group to include: THE B2M JUNIORVERSITY. 
Juniorversity is a  workshop for elementary and middle school brothers that is taught by the high school and college brothers.

Lessons include: academic success, tips for succeeding in life, peer pressure, shining in the darkness, and overcoming any obstacle in your path! The 'graduates' of Juniorversity will receive awards at the Phenomenal Man Achievement Awards in January. See photos of the November B2M Juniorversity: click here
B2M JUNIORS LEADER FILLS BIG SHOES!

  .... and the B2M Juniors President, Meliton Chaidez, is a dynamic young leader who is poised to take the B2M Juniors and Juniorversity to a new level this year. He has been involved with B2M since was in 3rd grade. Now, as a 7th grader at Jefferson Middle School, he is adding up his own achievements. 

 

He is a high honor roll student, a winner of his school's speech competition, and  a published young poet. As the youngest brother of B2M Past President, Gilberto, and B2M VP, Raul, Meliton is filling big shoes and keeping the B2M Juniors strong!  

B2M CO-PRESIDENTS: ACADEMIC ATHLETES!
 
The 2010-2011 Co-Presidents of B2M are definitely upholding the standards of all of the Past Presidents! Co-Presidents Brandon Hayes and Gerardo Paleo are student leaders and student athletes who personify 'phenomenal'!

Brandon is a senior honor roll student at West Aurora High School. He is a star player on the Varsity Basketball Team.

Gerardo is a senior honor roll student at East Aurora High School. He is a star on the school's Cross-Country and Track Teams!

Together, they lead the 2010-2011 C.E.Os (Council of Executive Offiers), including:             Juan De La Torre (Chief of Staff/Past President), Raul Chaidez (VP of West Aurora), Michael Hughes (VP of Marmion), Melvin Meeks (VP of Metea Valley), Kyle Welton (VP of Waubonsie Valley), Jakub Wrobel (VP of East Aurora), and our newest school leader, Derek Drew (VP of  Oswego East).
B2M OSWEGO EAST CHAPTER!
 
Three of the OEHS Phenoms (l to r): Chase Skinandore, Dominique Cook, and Derek Drew

Fall 2010 had many milestones ... including a new B2M Chapter being established at Oswego East High School! The B2M leader at OEHS, Derek Drew, shared his experiences with Boys II Men to  the school's principal, Dr. Craig, and implemented a plan to recruit like-minded brothers to join.

Dr. Craig is a big supporter of B2M and has invited Mr. Muhammad to speak to all of his sophomores at OEHS about leadership and service. A month later, OEHS partnered with B2M and Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns to bring members of the cast of The Lion King to inspire students at OEHS.

"I want to leave a legacy at OEHS and I know that B2M is the best way to inspire my peers to continue our tradition of excellence. We are ready to make history" said Drew!

.... AND DREW GETS THE FULL RIDE TO UNI!
 
The leader of the Oswego East Phenoms, Derek Drew, not only made history this fall by initiating a new chapter, but also by being the first phenom to receive a FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP this school year!

In November, Derek was offered a full scholarship and made a commitment to run track for the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He has been running track since elementary school.

In the fall, he will join the ranks of the B2M Full-Ride Scholars who are attending colleges and universities throughout the country!
TOP LATINO SCHOLAR IN U.S.A.!
 
B2M Scholar and Past President, Gilberto Chaidez, has had a whirlwind semester at the University of Illinois. In just four months, he has had four major achievements:

1. He was named by the United States Congressional Hispanic Caucus as Scholar of the Month from throughout the country!

2. His chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was name the BEST CHAPTER in the United States of America. He serves on the Executive Board!
 
3. He received a $7,000 scholarship from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

4. He was approved to STUDY ABROAD next spring in Spain!

Gilberto is a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School and is a sophomore at U of I majoring in Civil Engineering.  
TAKING THE LEAD AT MOREHOUSE
 
Scholar Rodney Boyd promised us that he would continue to shine during his college years at the famed Morehouse College!

In just his first semester, he has held true to his word! The Past Vice President of B2M arrived on campus in Atlanta and immediately began to build his leadership base.

We are proud to announce that Rodney launched a campaign to serve as president of his residence hall. In an unprecedented win, Rodney won the election and now is President of Brazeal Hall.
 
Rodney is a 2010 graduate of Neuqua Valley High School.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY GRADUATES
 
Three Phenoms were enrolled in the 2010 Law Enforcement Academy sponsored by the Kane County States Attorney's Office and led by Pam Bradley and Officer Chris Tunney!

(L to R) Raul Chaidez of West Aurora High School, Dylan Oncken of West Aurora High School, and Caleb Smith of Bednarcik Junior High were honored at the LEA Graduation for their summer of hard work!
STUDENT REP TO THE EA FOUNDATION
 

He is the first-ever appointed Student Board Member of the Aurora East Educational Foundation.

B2M Chief of Staff and Past President, Juan DeLaTorre, graciously accepted the recommendation to serve as the voice of the students to the AEEF. Juan  assists the Foundation by reviewing grant proposals submitted by teachers and offering insight into what the students need to continue to excel.  Juan is also a ranking leader of the East Aurora NJROTC, the largest unit in the United States of America.

A senior at East Aurora High School, Juan graduates in May 2011.

SINGING HIS WAY TO THE TOP!
 

Do you remember the young shy kid who performed his first public solo just last January at the B2M Phenomenal Man Awards? Well, he has definitely blossomed this year into a bona fide young emerging star!

B2M VP, Tavarrie Meeks, has a voice that can move souls and a personality that is contagious. It was those traits that inspired him to run for President of the East Aurora Singsation, the honors choir for his school. He was successful in his bid and now leads a group of extremely talented performers!

Read the Beacon News article on his first public performance:


WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
 
Yes, they are the Champions ... and the Captains! B2M Phenoms Ruben Torres (l) and Juan Carmona (r), Captains of the East Aurora Boys Varsity Soccer Team, helped to lead the way for the 'Dream Team' season that brought Championship Titles for the Upstate Eight Conference and the Regional Competitions!

Their theme was 'Play to Be Remembered' in honor of their teammate, Jason Ventura, who was killed in a drive-by in December 2009. Jason was posthumously honored with a Boys II Men Phenomenal Man of the Year Award in January.

Ruben and Juan are Seniors at East Aurora High. Phenoms Sergio Vidrio and Hector Ortega are also part of the Championship team!
CALL ME, MR. SENATOR!
 
B2M Scholar Brian Nelson has been a clear leader since he joined the organization his sophomore year in high school. Now as a junior at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, he is using those skills to make lasting change on his campus.

This fall, Brian was elected to serve as Senator of the Student Government Association. He represents over 10,000 students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Brian is a 2008 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School and a fPast Vice President of Boys II Men.

ALL HAIL THE NEW PHENOM KINGS!
 

Three more young men entered the Hall of Phenom Kings this year!

Scholar Roberto Saenz (l) was crowned Mr. Papi Chulo by Gamma Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. at Southern Illinois University at Edwardswille!  He is a sophomore majoring in Policital Science. Scholar Shamare Brown (c)  was crowned Homecoming King at Aurora University!  He is a Senior majoring in Social Work. Phenom Hector Ruiz (r) was crowned the Homecoming King at East Aurora HIgh School. He is a Senior wrestling star at the school.

They join the ranks of these amazing Phenom Kings:

L to R: Scholars Ignacio Cervantes, Don Dishman, Leon Spears, Jamario Taylor, Andre Jones, Jomar Mendoza, Mario Elias, Samory Liggins, Randy Jones, Genaro Saenz, Royel Johnson, Reggie Hearon
THE CHAIRMAN LEADS THE WAY AT AU!
 
On the campus of Aurora University, you can find him almost everywhere! B2M Scholar, Alfred Vidrio, serves as the Secretary of the Aurora University Student Association(AUSA), making him one of the most influential students on campus. He is the former Sophomore Senator for the AUSA and now as a junior, he continues to lead in his current role.

Alfred also holds the distinction of being the Chairman of the B2M Scholars. He is the designated leader of  the  Scholars, a group of young men who attend colleges and universities throughout the world! 

Alfred is a 2008 graduate of East Aurora High School.

BLACKHAWK STUDENT OF THE MONTH
 
When he contacted B2M during his junior year of high school, he said that he wanted to join because he wanted to change his mind and change his life. He said that he wanted to have an impact in his school and community and to break stereotypes.

B2M Phenom, Brennon Mitchell, has done just that during his year in B2M! A senior at West Aurora High School, Brennon has become the voice of reason in B2M and a young leader at West High. During the month of November, Brennon was honored with the Blackhawk Student of the Month Award!

He has recently worked with the Aurora Actionairres to volunteer at their annual dinner and is making plans to attend college. Brennon Mitchell defines resilience and is an amazing example to all of the Phenoms!

STARS OF THE STAGE!
 
Tavarrie and Ricky signed autographs on the closing night of their musical, Hairspray!
TWO Phenoms took the lead male roles in the Fall musical, Hairspray, at East Aurora High School!

Playing the supercool and jazzy role of Seaweed Stubbs was Phenom Tavarrie Meeks, and playing the teen hearthrob singing idol, Link Larkin, was Phenom Ricky Barajas!

Drawing standing ovations each night, these two young men poured their hearts and souls into their roles and practiced countless hours to give excellent performances!

"I just wanted to represent to the best of my ability and prove that it can be done! I'm a Phenom and it's what I'm supposed to do," said Ricky B!

Tavarrie and Ricky are both juniors at East High School.

HIP-HOP COMMUNITY HONORS B2M
 
Aurora's Hip-Hop artists pledge their support to Mr. Muhammad and B2M 
Aurora's Hip-Hop artists came together to promote peace and unity on September 11, 2010. In a charity softball tournament, AUR-CITY UNITED, the hip-hop personalities raised money for and honored B2M for its years of service to Aurora's youth. The Hip-Hop Community presented Clayton Muhammad  with an Award of Service for his dedication and support to Aurora.  Plans are already in the works to make next year's event bigger and better. See photos: click here

Jared as a freshman (l) and 8 years later as a graduate of the University of Illinois and professional accountant.

 FROM FRESHMAN TO FINANCE MAN!

 

He was just a freshman in high school when Boys II Men started in 2002. Today, Jared Marchiando, who served as B2M's first president, is an Accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Chicago. He has been instrumental in every phase of B2M over the last 8 years and is now a supporter of the organization! 

 

 

 

 

  , YOU CAN BE  A SUPPORTER TOO!

 

Help us to continue the mind-changing and life-changing work of B2M by making a tax-deductible donation. All checks can be made payable to Boys II Men and mailed to:

 

Boys II Men

P.O. Box 1353

Aurora, IL 60507

 

Thank you for your continued support of Boys II Men! Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:

  • Talented Tenth College Seminar - Sunday, December 19 at 6:02 p.m. at Prisco Ctr.
  • B2M Juniorversity - Saturday, January 8 at 10:30 a.m. - Luigi's Pizza & Fun Ctr.
  • Phenomenal Man Awards - Thursday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. - Prisco Ctr.

Stay tuned for two upcoming e-newsletters:

  • A Highlight of B2M Scholars who Study Abroad: Australia, France, Germany, and Poland!
  • A Look at the B2M Collegiate Athletes: The Athletic Tenth!
  •  

  , together we CAN make a difference .... clearly!  THANK YOU!

www.boys2menonline.org