One of life's great certainties (along with death and taxes) is that somewhere in the course a child's life at least one teacher will ask him to compose an essay about a favorite hero.

We all need inspirational heroes as role models for our lives, businesses, and family values. Unfortunately, today's heroes are often sports figures, celebrities, and rock stars whose lives are laced with controversy as well as frequent appearances in our over-crowed courtrooms. Our young adults, however, need exemplary heroes with proven values demonstrating respect for their fellow humans. They need to witness conflict resolution practices ending in peaceful solutions with dignity and respect being preserved for all sides.

Youth need to understand and value a work ethic showing the rewards for diligence and quality coupled with the many benefits of continuing our education throughout our lives. Forgiveness should preside over revenge, but today this isn't true. Tolerance should rule over frivolous lawsuits, but news media reports imply the opposite. Acceptance and learning from another's diversity should easily outshine the dull embers of prejudice, but they do not.

At the Boys & Girls Club, armed with the weapons of excellence, dignity, and endurance, we try and teach youth the awesome potential of being human through self-leadership and conflict-resolution by peaceful means. This is what we do.

Recently our newest club in Chesterton (Duneland Unit) began implementing a program known as Junior Staff. This program works two-fold; it provides the club with additional volunteers and it gives members a chance to explore a career in Boys & Girls Clubs and/or other service professions.

Through participation in Junior Staff youth in the program are able to develop their interpersonal skills, a stronger work ethic and a sense of community engagement while experiencing on-the-job club work. Members ages 10-16 see that they make difference in the lives of their peers. They also learn practical tips and self-exploration activities that will help youth as Junior Staffers and beyond as they pursue long-term career goals. The Junior Staff motto: "Cultivating Tomorrow's Club Professionals Today".

A Junior Staff at the club should enjoy working with children and be an enthusiastic role model, over the age of 10. They must be willing to set a good example and learn skills to be a leader. As a Junior Staff, youth will participate in the children's drop-in program and assist the staff or other volunteers. Youth will rotate from room to room to gain a variety of experiences and develop new skills.

In addition, to be a Junior Staff youth have to be a member. After membership is completed the youth will fill out a job application form and have a real "live" job interview with club staff members. All my heroes have always been club staff members.

For more information on Junior Staff or other club programs, call (219) 464-7282.

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Jennifer Wright is the director of resource development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.