There's still snow on the ground in upstate New York.

But 4th grade teacher Jessica Monaco and her students are excitedly thinking about summer. By then, the expansion of the outdoor education space at Royalton-Hartland Elementary will be buzzing.

The school district and local businesses seeded progress in the initial garden space. Now the $2,500 Teacher Assist grant Jessica won is making it possible to fast-track plans for its expansion.

Soon there will be a new pollinator garden complete with houses and nurseries for butterflies. Students will watch things grow and learn about plant life cycles. Trail cams will allow them to see what birds and animals visit the gardens. Students and their families will be able to pick fruit from the raspberry and blueberry bushes that will be planted.

Hands-on, student-centered learning opportunities will be bountiful. An outdoor weather station will help them understand climate and the environment. They will learn problem-solving and engineering skills through the construction of a water wall. Water will be gathered in rain barrels and solar panels will power the pumps to operate it and provide lessons in renewable resources.There will also be composting stations to further teach about sustainability.

The outdoor area is also handicapped-accessible. New raised garden beds will give all students a hands-on, play-based education.

“Students will be able to take risks and test out their thinking,” Jessica said. “They can get dirty, 'make a mess,' get wet and learn all at the same time.”

In Naples, Florida, the sweet peas are already blooming.

The sunflowers, peppers, tomatoes and watermelons the students planted have sprouted. Birds have laid eggs. And a herd of elephants are lined up ready for water duty. Oh wait, those are watering cans!

Laura Pacter hopes her students never forget the leadership lessons they will learn in the garden at Shadowlawn Elementary. Her Teacher Assist grant is being used to revitalize an existing garden impacted by storms and hurricanes.

The project will make it a totally outdoor learning space featuring tables at each end with 24 reading chairs. Students and their teacher will be able to sit and read together 6 feet apart, socially distanced in the fresh air.

“Additionally, the newest editions of Leader in Me books will help students learn about leaders who made a difference,” Laura said. “The books will help them find their voice to lead others and be proactive in improving the garden.”

These and other garden projects funded through Teacher Assist will help students sow seeds for a lifetime of learning.

Arson dogs are trained to work with a human handler and find evidence at fire scenes. The dogs are searching for accelerants such as gas, oil or fuel used to start fires. State Farm is the only company in North America that provides funding for the training of arson dog teams.

The State Farm Arson Dog Program is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Since its beginning in 1993, the program has placed more than 425 dogs in 46 states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.

Arson is one of the most difficult crimes to solve, as the evidence literally burns up. Insurance fraud causes billions of dollars in damage each year. In fact, many police and fire departments are seeing an increase in suspicious fires because of business closures, financial challenges and social disruption.

"Fire investigators should have every tool possible to combat this deadly crime," said Heather Paul, State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “These dogs help fire investigators to do their job. Arson dog teams can quickly locate evidence of accelerants such as gasoline or fuel used to start a fire.”

Meeting and training with a new best friend

All of the dogs are Labrador retrievers and come from animal rescues or disability assistance programs. The dogs are trained months before they meet their human handler and must work for every meal. When the dog smells fuel, they sit down and point with their nose. Their “reward” is a handful of dog food and praise. They can locate accelerants quickly, even if it is buried under debris.

Canine handlers are police detectives or fire investigators. The training class is four weeks long and the handlers know it will be intense. Over the four weeks, the handler and dog will repeat training drills multiple times a day. Food reward dogs only eat from the hand of their handler so these training drills will be repeated multiple times a day for the life until the dog retires.

Following a month of classes and drills, the arson dog teams are tested and certified by the Maine State Police. Once certified, the teams travel back to their communities to begin investigating fires. The dogs live in the home of their handler and they retire in the home of their handler. For the men and women training in the program, working with a dog is a career highlight.

Congratulations to the newly certified teams in Class No. 52!

1. Fire Chief Billy Dillon & K-9 Piper - Howe Springs Fire Rescue (Florence, SC)
2. Special Agent Michael Kuban & K-9 Phantom - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
3. Special Agent Kenny Arnold & K-9 Gunny - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
4. Special Agent Jeff Pride and K-9 PJ - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
5. Captain Stephanie Schofield & K-9 Jennifer - Rawlins Fire Department (Rawlins, WY)
6. Fire Inspector John Neeb & K-9 Mika - West Fargo Fire Department (West Fargo, ND)
7. Fire Investigator Thomas Cantola & K-9 Maya - Girard Fire Department (Girard, OH)
8. Fire Investigator Brian Acors & K-9 Erny - Richmond Fire Department (Richmond, VA)
9. Arson Investigator Darren Jurado & K-9 Brownie - Compton Fire Department (Compton, CA)
10. Fire Investigator Lee Maness & K-9 Vinny - Cobb County Fire and EMS (Marietta, GA)
11. Detective Michael Douglas K-9 Ruthie - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tampa, FL)
12. Detective Cody McIntyre & K-9 Rico - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tallahassee, FL)
13. Firefighter Brent Autry & K-9 Tony - Milan Fire Department (Milan, TN)
14. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Kanavy & K-9 Mikey - Scott County Fire Department (Georgetown, KY)

Arson Dog Calendar

Each of this year's class of K-9 crime-fighters is featured on one of the calendar pages below. Click to download.

In the News:

• West Fargo Pioneer: Fire corner: Welcoming Mika to the team (09/30/20)

For 24 years, the Winter Haven, Florida, State Farm agent has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels of Polk County, delivering nutritious, made-from-scratch meals to the elderly and those in need, and serving on its board of directors. But as Dan points out, there’s so much more to it.

“Almost all of these people are living alone,” said Dan. “It’s an opportunity not only to deliver a meal, but to do a wellness check to make sure that they look and sound OK.”

On a typical 18-meal delivery route, Dan offers to assist his recipients in many ways, from bringing in the mail to picking up something at the store.

“Many of these people simply appreciate the joy of a 10 minute visit,” Dan remarked. “It always helps me center back to what’s important in life.”

For recipients like Harvey Curtis, volunteers like Dan make a huge difference.

“Receiving Meals on Wheels helps me to live in my home. I am not able to shop for groceries or stand in the kitchen to prepare my meals,” said Harvey. “The volunteers are so friendly and some days, they are the only people I see and talk to.”

Unsurprisingly, the demand for Meals on Wheels services has increased markedly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“It’s been a crazy time. Our meal count has gone from 300 to 450 a day,” said Dan. “And we make sure to follow all of the safety guidelines to ensure our recipients stay healthy.”

“Dan is a lifesaver for us,” said Susan Eldridge, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Polk County. “He’s very passionate about helping the people we serve.”

And Dan has made sure to pass on the importance of giving back to the next generation.

“My kids have grown up volunteering with me,” he said. “I would tell anyone interested in community service that you can truly make a difference and you always get back so much more than what you put in.”

In the News:

• Four Corners News-Sun: Meals on Wheels volunteer, recipients reflect on program's importance (08/27/20)

“Current State Farm driving data and claims experience show a considerable decline in miles driven and fewer accidents,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President. “As a result, we’re looking for ways to continue supporting our Florida customers while we monitor and adjust to trends.”

In addition to the auto rate reduction, the discount for participating in Drive Safe & Save™ is increasing to 10%, and empowers drivers to save more on their auto premiums through driving behaviors.

Customer rate reductions will vary based on their individual renewals. Customers are encouraged to visit with their State Farm agent about individual policies, coverage and any opportunities for discounts, including Drive Safe & Save.

“State Farm Florida is always evaluating how we can best serve our customers. We are very pleased to be able to offer this rate decrease,” said Dan Krause, State Farm Senior Vice-President. “There were several factors supporting the decision to lower rates. Among them were stable, non-catastrophe loss trends and the strength of State Farm Florida."

The rate decrease is effective May 15 for new business and July 1 for renewals.

Overall changes in premiums for individual homeowners will vary. Rates depend on a customer’s policy and chosen coverage. New and existing customers can contact their local State Farm agent to discuss their individual situation. Additional opportunities for discounts may apply.

A rate decrease, combined with discounts, offers exceptional long-term value to State Farm customers.

State Farm sponsored assist patrols in 18 states help keep the nation’s highest-trafficked roadways safe and clear. They reduce congestion, help stranded motorists, and provide traffic control and safety at incident scenes.

Safety patrols are operated by state departments of transportation and toll road authorities. They are known by a variety of names in 40 states. Their free services include changing flat tires, providing a jump-start or small amount of gasoline, and minor safety repairs.

“The safety patrols embody our ‘good neighbor’ philosophy and underscore our commitment to auto safety,” said Ed Gold, advertising director. “They help people recover from the unexpected, which is the heart of the State Farm mission.”

State Farm sponsorship helps increase coverage areas and raises awareness about the patrols. This helps the motoring public feel more secure when traveling the nation’s interstate system. Sponsored highway signs mark coverage areas. The bright red State Farm reflective markings also improve patrol vehicle visibility.

State Farm sponsors the safety patrols in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

State Farm has been committed to roadway safety since its founding in 1922. The company seeks to increase the safety of all drivers and passengers from infancy to the driver’s seat.

*Safety Service Patrol Priorities and Best Practices: USDOT Federal Highway Federal Highway Administration, April 2017

In addition to the operational capabilities granted by these FAA waivers, State Farm will continue to utilize drone technology as a tool for our claim representatives to assist in individual inspections of our customers’ homes and properties related to these hurricanes.

It was less than one month ago when Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina. State Farm was the first and only insurance company to receive an FAA waiver allowing Claims pilots to operate drones beyond visual line of sight and over people for damage assessment. Drone flights were coordinated with the FAA and Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) at Virginia Tech as part of the Integration Pilot Program for large-scale damage assessment in Virginia and South Carolina.

State Farm requires the ability to quickly assess damage after significant weather events in order to serve customers as efficiently as possible. Drone technology is an additional tool providing technical capabilities to quickly deploy over an event site and assess damage from the air. Data obtained from drone flights can be used for determining severity of the event for better resource allocation and quick determination of uninhabitable insured property.

State Farm drone pilots will operate eBee fixed-wing drones for flights approved under the FAA waiver for damage assessment. Claims representatives conducting drone flights for roof inspections will utilize Kespry multi-rotor drones.

To get the claims process started, you can file your claim online, call 1-800-SFCLAIM (800-732-5246) or contact your State Farm agent.

The State Farm Weather and Catastrophe Team is being dispatched to the hardest hit areas. Click the image to learn more about the capabilities of this industry-leading response unit.

In The News:

• WFSU -  Insurance Company Takes To The Sky After Hurricane Michael (10/17/18)
• WPTV - West Palm Beach:  Insurance companies use drones to assess storm damage for faster, easier claims process (10/18/18)
• WMBB Live in Panama Beach: The Panama City Mall parking lot has become a staging area for work crews. State Farm also has an insurance claim center set up, and mall staff say the mall is working to reopen.(10-15-18)
• WYFF-Greenville, SC:  Flood Insurance on the Rise After Florence (9/18/18)

• The Weather Channel: What to do before and after a hurricane (09/11/18)

Where will you go? In many disasters, evacuation is part of the experience. Before a disaster strikes, locate the pet-friendly hotels in your surrounding areas. Collect their phone numbers and keep them in your disaster backpack so you can just call and make the reservation. Also, if a disaster is potentially imminent, as in an approaching firestorm or flood, make the hotel reservation before the evacuation. The hotel may give some type of disaster discount as a community service, so be sure to ask.

• Call local shelters in advance to find out if they provide emergency housing for evacuated pets.

• If you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. Consider loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area who would be willing to host you and your pets in an emergency.

• Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives. Make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

• Animals have instincts about severe weather changes. They will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.

• Photos! Before disaster strikes, take photos of your pets and create simple flyers displaying their photo and your phone number in case you get separated. Save the flyers on your phone so you can email them to local pet businesses in case your pet goes missing.

• Identification! Make sure pets are micro-chipped and wearing a tag with your phone number.

• Plan your on-foot escape route in advance in case you can’t get to your car and have to walk or run.

Hover over the interactive image below to learn what to include in your pet’s evacuation backpack.

Have your disaster backpack ready to go in an easily accessible place. Items to pack include:

• An extra leash for each pet
• Towel or mat for your dog to sit on
• 1 liter of bottled water
• Collapsible water bowl
• Three-day food supply
• Dog booties
• Toys and treats
• Medication (If your pet is diabetic, talk with your veterinarian about packing glucose paste in case you leave without his insulin)
• Flashlight
• Extra change of clothes for you
• Sweater for your pets if your area has cold weather

In a sealed plastic baggie be sure to pack:

• Veterinary records and phone numbers
• Pet insurance information
• Microchip information
• Photos of your pets with missing pet flyers
• A list of pet-friendly hotels and resources with phone numbers
• Pet first aid kit which can be purchased at pet stores or assembled yourself. Include basic first aid items like self-clinging bandaging, gauze pads, antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, cool pack, thermometer, blunt-end scissors, saline solution, tweezers and a soft muzzle in case your dog needs treatment and becomes fear aggressive.

Gabriel is one of many children setting sail on the Atlantic coast to fish, learn and explore. Not even the Florida sun can compete with the bright smiles on their faces.

"We want to help students reduce their fear and anxiety in respect to activities near the water,” said State Farm Agent Stan Harrison. “And we want them to have fun.”

The chance to sail out of the classroom and into the ocean is part of a program called Academic Anglers. The not-for-profit organization located in Melbourne, Fla., provides hands on boating and fishing experiences to children. An experienced fisherman, Harrison has volunteered with Academic Anglers since 2008. He’s led countless fishing clinics - sharing his passion for marine life and water safety with students.

“It’s a joy to watch them learn,” he said. “Through fishing and boating courses, children are exposed to new ways of thinking and gain more respect for the environment.”

Fish Facts and Ocean Fun

The Saturday class begins at the Marine Discovery Center. There, students learn about aquatic life – including how fish, plants and animals thrive in the water. “Did you know horseshoe crabs have eight legs AND they can flip themselves over with their tails?” Malik Harley beamed. “I also learned an octopus has three hearts and nine brains!”

Later that day, a member of the Coast Guard showed the class how to use professional flotation devices to stay safe in the water. Students also learned how to identify marine life, tie fishing knots using a large hook and rope, and cast a line.

“We want to expand their horizons and attract more children to the outdoor world,” said Academic Anglers Fishing Team President Charlie Roberts. “Seeing students gaining valuable experience outdoors - away from TV, computers and gaming systems is really rewarding.”

Making a Splash

That afternoon, students cast their lines in the water…steered the boat…and the best part? They caught lots of fish – including sea bass, sea grunt and red snapper which can weigh up to 50 pounds and live more than 50 years. The students also learned the importance of catch and release.

“I really enjoyed the fishing clinic with my twin girls, Jade and Jada,” said mother Patrice Smith. “We learned about different types of crabs, stingrays, turtles – and I am so grateful we now know how to fish!”

State Farm is a proud partner of Academic Anglers and its commitment to environmental education. Through the years, the fishing clinics have helped at-risk students stay out of trouble, excel in school and give back to their communities. Many of its first participants are now college graduates.

“There’s a sea of possibilities out there,” said Stan. “Success starts by branching out – or in this case, making that first cast.”

En Español

The number of orphaned children in the world is shocking. After going on several mission trips to Central America, Eric Teets and Michael Hawley, knew there was more they could do to help these children.

“Central America has one of the highest numbers of orphaned children,” says Eric, State Farm leader in Florida. “Most of them have been abandoned and many have gone through some horrific things.”

Compelled to do more after each trip, Eric and Michael, an agency specialist, started Living127, a non-profit in 2013. Living127 supports more than 400 children in 11 homes located in five Latin American countries.

“I spoke with several people who were working in orphanages in Latin America,” says Eric about starting the organization. “Through Living127, we provide personal hygiene items, school supplies, and musical instruments for orphaned children. This allows the orphanages to reallocate their budget for other things, such as additional staffing, building improvements, and housing more children. Plus, 100 percent of individual donations go toward purchasing supplies for the children.”

Living127 supports orphanages in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. “One orphanage in Guatemala and one in Panama care solely for children with special needs,” Eric adds. “We also purchase 99 percent of our supplies in the host country which helps support their economy.”

“The most meaningful part of what I do is being involved in something that is far bigger than me,” shared Michael. “I believe in uniting with others to do something you may not be able to do on your own. None of this would be possible without the help and support of others. We are part of something so much bigger than us. We are seeing a difference, and it’s exciting.”

The small group of two to three volunteers visits each location twice a year.

“Residencia de Vida opened a second home and hopes to add a third later this year,” Eric explains. “We want to help these homes grow to provide these children a stable environment. For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve consistently had clean clothing, food and been able to attend school.

“Living127 helps keep life in perspective,” Eric adds. “No matter what kind of day I have, when I think of these children, my problems become small. There is no greater joy than spending time with them.”

“This wall is outside an all-boys home in a violent neighborhood in the Dominican Republic,” says Sales Leader Eric Teets. “When the boys step out of the home this is the first thing they see. The statement is: I can change the future. It reminds them to have hope.”

Imagine you're a teenager. You want to hang out with your friends, but you have to go home, clean the house, cook dinner and take care of your sick parent or family member. It's a lot. You want to do it. You love them and you’d do anything for them. But still, you're just a teen.  An assist here and there would be nice...

I'll help with your appointment.

I’m cooking tonight! I did the laundry, dishes and cleaned the house today.

I love you mom! I’m always here for you!

These are commonly heard statements in the Cuco house. Dianne and Tanya Cuco have been caring for their mom since her leukemia diagnosis in 2008.

“It was so hard. Our dad left the house one year before my mom got ill,” says Dianne. “At first, my older sister and I didn’t know what to do.”

They quickly learned to care for their mom even while they were going to school and work. Both sisters do housework. They give their mom medication and take her to buy groceries.

Tanya is now a college sophomore studying to be a radiologist. Dianne, a ninth-grader, wants to be a veterinarian or marine biologist someday.

“Hopefully I can do something bigger for my mom when I grow up, like buy her a house,” says Dianne.

Caregiving youth, like Dianne and Tanya, help their relatives deal with physical or mental illness or disability. This help is significant and often on a daily basis, according to the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), a support organization for youth and their families.

These eight to 18-year-olds often forgo their education, health, and childhood to take on the responsibilities of an adult caregiver.

For children in ethnic-minority families, things can be even more complicated. Sometimes they are the only English-speakers in the family. They often miss school to serve as translators for family doctor appointments.

These heavy responsibilities can cause them to fall behind in school. They sometimes struggle with feelings of isolation and anxiety. 

Carmella Keim was five when her mom was diagnosed with a brain illness that affects her balance.

“I help give her medicine, clean around the house, and also help my dad cook,” says Carmella. She is a freshman now at Florida Atlantic University studying to be a schoolteacher.

State Farm and ADT are supporting these children and their families. They are helping relieve anxiety through AACY's Caregiving Youth Stress Reduction Project. It provides a source of 24/7 live communication for ill or disabled family members. This allows the youth caregiver to focus on school and socialization.

“I’m so glad my mom now has the medical alert bracelet,” says Tanya. "Before having it, she felt insecure and scared to be home alone. Now my sister and I have peace of mind while we are at school or work. We know she can get help if she falls down.”

“The medical alert pendant allows my daughter and husband to leave the house without worrying about me falling,” says Denise Keim. “Thanks to State Farm, ADT and AACY, my daughter is finally getting the freedom and childhood she deserves.”

ADT is the nation’s leading provider of home security services. They are donating ADT Medical Alert monitoring devices to 100 AACY client families. AACY selects families and works with ADT to provide the appropriate device at no cost. State Farm is covering monitoring service costs for one year for all 100 families.

State Farm also offers connected care options and customer discounts on select ADT products. This helps meet the unique needs of customers in caregiving situations. For more information, visit statefarm.com.

Mairin didn’t speak up for herself; she didn’t stop him from speeding. Her boyfriend walked away from the crash. She didn’t.

Cara Filler, Mairin’s identical twin sister, was in the car behind them. She watched her twin sister, her best friend, die.

That experience ended Mairin’s life and changed Cara’s forever. Since that day, Cara has committed her life to teaching young people that everyday choices count.

“I’m sick and tired of car crashes being the number one killer of youth. Car crashes are preventable,” says Cara. “I want students to realize they don’t have to become a statistic. They can speak up for themselves and their friends in any situation, and maybe by, sharing my story, they will.”

“Cara’s presentation has influenced me in a way that I can feel free to let go of the pain and anger” says Christina Lorenzo, senior at Hialeah Gardens High. “My father had a choice to either get into a boat with his drunk friends or not.”

“There was a fight on the boat resulting in my dad getting thrown overboard and drowning. My dad made the wrong choice,” Christina continued. “I realized now I can also help inspire others to make the right choices by sharing my story.”

Cara is met with a similar reaction after every school presentation. She says she’s part of a club no one should ever want to join — the “I lost somebody I care about” club — and her words have prevented other students from joining that group by teaching them that they always have a choice.

“Her story really hit home,” says Victoria Segovia, senior at Hialeah Gardens High. “My boyfriend sometimes drives fast while I’m in the car. I tell him to slow down. He doesn’t listen to me. After hearing Cara story today, I now know I can speak up. I don’t have to be in the car if he wants to drive fast. I’ll get out of the car and walk home if I have to.”

Speaking at more than 2,100 school assemblies across the world, Cara has empowered over 2 million students to stand up for themselves, their friends, and their beliefs. Her heartwarming, honest and at times hilarious presentation, has changed and saved lives for over two decades.

Most students will remember her for a little dance she performs that may save their lives.

To combat the epidemic killing American teens, Cara founded the Drive to Save Lives Tour, North America’s number one resource for prevention speakers. Like Cara, their mission is to help spread positive messages that put the brakes on the loss of teen lives due to destructive decisions.

When someone hurts you, there are two choices: to hold on to that anger or embrace forgiveness and move forward with your life.

Looking at Bobby Petrocelli, you would never know a drunk driver crashed through his home, killing his wife and changing his life forever. Rather than choosing anger, Bobby chose to move forward with his life and embrace forgiveness.

Bobby didn't blame the driver. Instead, he asked what happened in their life that led them to numb their pain with alcohol.

As a high school teacher and coach, Bobby loves teaching youth. This passion inspired him to take his story to high schools, hoping to make a positive influence on students’ lives. At the schools, he shares his story, and hopes after hearing his experiences students will choose a safer path.

“We have all gone through struggles and have been in that place where it seems there is no way out,” says Josh Miles, senior in Saint Petersburg, Florida who has seen Bobby speak. “The answer is never to give up on ourselves, because we all have value and deserve equal opportunities. At the end of the day, our physical appearance doesn't define who we really are.”

After the crash, Bobby realized life is a constant, never-ending shift between successes and failures. We experience hardship both because of our faults and because of the faults of others.

"The greatest gift in this world is to serve others by helping them become who they are meant to be,” Bobby says about his presentations, that are supported by State Farm. “My desire is each student walks away with understanding and empowering their VIP."

“I try to accept everyone, no matter what,” shared Kevin Jimenez, senior at Hialeah Gardens High. “I believe we are all the same in one way or another. Unfortunately, I know a lot of people that don’t. I’ve been blessed to have a good past. Bobby made me feel better about how I think. I matter and so does everyone else.”

Bobby encourages people to use their life experiences to become stronger, more confident, more resilient individuals. The alternative, he says, is letting those experiences drain all their hope and energy. The choice is theirs. Through raising students’ awareness of this choice, Bobby is making a huge impact on student lives.

“By no means was it easy for Bobby to put someone that killed his wife behind him,” says Aundre Fredericks, ShoreCrest Prep School student. “He understood there's a lot of broken people, but that they need to know, as we all need a reminder, that we matter."

If there is one message Bobby and his students want you to walk away with, it is that even though you can’t choose whether or not bad things will happen in your life, you have complete control of how it affects you from that point on.

To see one of Bobby’s presentations, click here.

Owning your own successful business is a dream for many. Imagine living that dream as a teenager. Students from the small town of Immokalee, Florida are doing just that.

Taste of Immokalee sauce and salsa is giving Immokalee High School (IHS) students hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. The innovative educational program is also helping send them to college.

The local community development organization, One by One Leadership Foundation, in partnership with Taste of Immokalee provides instruction and direction. IHS students started the business in 2014 with help from a State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant.

Students get real life entrepreneurial experience thanks to the program. Their businesses and consumer interactions increase their knowledge of entrepreneurship while growing interpersonal skills.

“The students are involved in all aspects of the brand, from production to sales and marketing,” says Marie Capita, One Leadership Foundation’s Executive Director for Taste of Immokalee. “Through entrepreneurship classes, students learned how to operate the company. They solicit potential buyers and make presentations to prospective clients. They go into markets to promote the products.”

The students creatively share the inspiration behind the products and their business model through unique product labels of their own design.

“One of my favorite roles in our company is helping design marketing materials for the products,” says Christopher Bances, President of Taste of Immokalee and an IHS senior. “I’ve met lots of people that can help me in my future career.”

The students started by determining the cultural and nutritional needs of their community. They then created the food products. All are inspired by family recipes and use vegetables and fruits grown locally.

So far, the students have developed and produced a line of six products. They are available online and in 19 supermarkets across Collier County, Florida.

After one year in existence, the company was profitable. All proceeds benefit Immokalee students. So far, the business has awarded nine scholarships to Taste of Immokalee student entrepreneurs.

The students’ ultimate goal is to bring the products' production to Immokalee. This will help create jobs for people in the community.

“Taste of Immokalee has allowed for personal growth as I enter the world of business and entrepreneurship,” says Kayla Booney, a junior at Immokalee High. “Although I am the daughter of a business owner, I had little knowledge of what’s necessary to actually operate a business. Through Taste of Immokalee, I have learned that it takes responsibility, time, persistence, and dedication to bring to fruition what begins simply as an aspiration. I am now able to apply these qualities to other aspects of my life. Whether it’s school, work, or preparing for life after high school, I owe it to Taste of Immokalee.”

Taste the flavor. Savor the diversity. Feel the excitement. Experience the culture! Buy and try the products at www.tasteofimmokalee.com.

Marquelle was a shy young man with high aspirations and a struggling relationship with his father. Like many young men, he was desperate for guidance and positive role models in his life.

Marquelle also loved to play basketball. Though he worked really hard on his skills, he never made the team. He was however able to channel his persistence and passion to become a referee!

Impact

For the past 3 years, Let’s Make it Official (LMO) has been recruiting young inner city men with leadership qualities. The organization helps them obtain the necessary skills to become a licensed football, basketball, baseball, soccer or lacrosse referee. At the same time, they learn fundamental social and financial skills to positively impact their lives and communities.

Upon graduating from the 13-week program, the young adults are fully outfitted from head to toe with uniforms, whistles and even shoes. LMO helps book them referring jobs and also find other employment at local recreation and community centers.

“I was able to learn about financial freedom and personal finance,” says Marquelle Joseph, a current student at the University of South Florida (USF). “Some of the things I learned were the differences between credit unions and banks, writing checks, creating budgets, and the consequences of irresponsible money management. The lessons learned from the people of LMO will not only benefit me in the present but should allow me to build a prosperous future. The people at LMO are my mentors, teachers, friends, advisors and most importantly – family,” says Marquelle.

Perspective

LMO allows young adults to look at officiating from a different perspective. “Referees need to be objective and not let negative things that folks tell them affect their calls,” says Jack Brown, a basketball referee mentor with 33 years of experience. “Students learn to make objective decisions as a referee just like in real life.”

“The program teaches what every youth needs to learn – respect, conduct, managing their finances, and self-confidence,” says State Farm Agent, Stan White, who is also founder of LMO. “The students learn to be in control of the game and themselves. When they put the uniform on, they command respect,” says Stan. “Everybody attending the games knows that the referee is in charge!”

“I have a part-time job at a recreation center thanks to LMO” says Darriean Gainer, a high school student in the program. “I’m also learning how to manage the money I earn so I can use it for college”. “This program is like a third family for me. There is a lot of heart here.”

Results

“It’s more than just sitting in the classroom getting a certificate, it’s a sense of accomplishment” says Stan White. “The students are applying what they learned in class by shadowing the referee. They did this themselves, outside of school and their regular activities. This is something that will last them a lifetime”.

“I may not have the influence or the resources to make immediate changes to my community but with the lessons learned from LMO, I can continue to work on myself and better my character to make a difference in my community” shared Marquelle.

LMO is providing aspiring young leaders with the essential skills to positively impact their community. To learn more about the program, please visit lmoinc.org

When Jill and her 9^th grade students began playing the Stock Market Challenge (SMC) in 1984, they used punch cards and weekly submissions to record their transactions on Commodore 64 Computers. Students wrote their own BASIC programs to track their stocks and generate portfolios. They couldn’t have imagined 30 years later students would still be playing the game – but this time on mobile phones and computers!

As the world moved from snail mail to the internet, so has the competition, and students have embraced the technology and applied it well. “When students are granted the privilege of taking their phones out in class, they truly stay on task - checking investments and calling on experts in the field” says Jill Bloom, 2014 Stock Market Challenge Advisor of the Year and Upper School Mathematics Lab Teacher at Scheck Hillel Community School in Miami.

Some of her former students still recall fondly their time in the competition. One of these students is Dr. Avi Jacobs, a cardiologist at Hillcrest Hospital in Cleveland where he is Director of the echocardiography lab. Dr. Jacobs played the games as a 7^th grader during the stock market crash of 1987.

“The games were my first introduction to investing in the stock market” says Dr. Jacobs. “It established a good basic foundation that has allowed me over the years to know what to look for when investing in stocks and the risks involved with those investments”.

Jill’s son, Jeremy Weber, who played the game as a 7th grader in 2000, is now playing the Florida Stock Market Game with his math students at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, Fl.

“I remember how much fun I had playing the games while I was a student while at the same time learning how the financial markets work” says Jeremy Weber. “The games opened my eyes as to the importance of bringing real life financial education into the classroom that you cannot find in a textbook”. “I want my students to now have the same positive experience”.

Jill has utilized the SMC at all age levels. She has played the game with her students at the elementary, middle school and high school level.

The SMC is marketed as usable in many subject areas, not just finance or economics. Jill has also facilitated the game via social studies, computer programming and math courses.

“The games have given me better insight on how the stock market works and how you can easily make or lose money in the markets” says Justin Florin, one of Jill’s 12^th grade students.

Many of Jill’s high school students are proud to include their years of participation in the games on their college applications. Having seen how the SMC games motivate and excites her students, Jill expanded the program last year to include not just her classes, but also the newly formed Investment Club.

“Evolving as global citizens, students become aware how the international news, business trends and personal wealth impact decision making - not only on a fiscal level, but also in every aspect of their lives,” said Jill, “The kids see that gathering, sharing and acting on this financial information will lead to taking control of the paths that their lives with take.”

Established more than 30 years ago, the Florida Stock Market Challenge gives K-12 students the opportunity to participate in an online investment simulation and manage a hypothetical $100,000 investment portfolio. Students throughout the state compete for the best portfolio performance and are awarded prizes at the end of both the fall and spring semesters.

This program is easily integrated into a variety of subject areas, including social studies, mathematics, and language art classes and is offered free of charge to all Florida teachers. Each May, the Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) recognizes an outstanding Stock Market Challenge Advisor in its annual Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching Economics (GAP).

“We are thrilled about the commitment State Farm has made to financial literacy education and the Florida Council,” said Suzanne Costanza, Director of Programs for the FCEE. “State Farm’s sponsorship means that literally thousands of students will have an opportunity to learn about our country’s financial markets and economic system through participation in this exciting simulation.”

As she lifted her gift’s cover and removed a huge green bow, Philicia was trembling. She had an idea of what was coming; however, she could not hold back her tears, knowing it would help lift a huge burden. Underneath, a 2007 Chevy Impala was full of Christmas gifts for her and her five-year-old daughter.

“I now have the freedom to take my daughter, Ezyiah, to dance class and school activities without having to take three to four buses each time” says Philicia. “I can drive back and forth to work without having to depend on public transportation or my mom picking me up each time.” She added, “I had no idea how much a car would help me spend more time with my daughter and mom.”

One year after graduating from a Tampa, FL high school, Philicia got married and joined the Army. She proudly served two years in the Army, spending one year in Afghanistan as a Convoy Security Driver and Gunmen.

Philicia’s responsibility was to lead and protect the lives of soldiers and valuable military trucks as they traveled through dangerous Afghanistan terrain. During her service, Philicia’s mom took care of her daughter.

While she was on leave in US, Philicia’s husband suddenly handed her divorce papers and gave her full custody of their daughter, Ezyiah. As the sole provider for her daughter, Philicia honorably discharged from the Army.

After her ex-husband broke his agreement to pay car payments, Philicia’s car was repossessed. She was devastated but did not lose hope.

Philicia did not want to depend on others for financial support, so she quickly found a job and a new place for her and her daughter to live. She relied solely on public transportation to get to work and take her daughter to school. Fortunately, Philicia could rely on her mother to take care of Ezyiah while she worked late shifts and to pick her up from work when there was no bus service.

She did this for about one year until she learned about the Wheels of Success – Vehicles for Veterans program started by Gregory Griffiths, a State Farm Auto Estimator in 2009.

“Being an Air Force Veteran myself, I felt compelled to provide the resources within my reach to help my fellow Veterans maintain a quality of life during a difficult time in their lives,” said Gregory. “This car will give Philicia the freedom to move around much easier and live a more productive life.”

This is a “Pay it Forward program”, says Susan Jacobs, founder and CEO of Wheels of Success. Based on their income, veterans in the program pay a low monthly fee for a one-year period. The fee veterans pay help the program repair and obtain cars for other veterans. Veterans are also required to volunteer 36 hours annually with Wheels of Success or another community organization.

In the past five years, State Farm has donated 25 vehicles to the Wheels of Success Vehicles for Veterans and its Build- A-Car program. Since 2003, Wheels of Success has provided over 622 vehicles and 568 car-related services to Tampa Bay area families.

The organization offers a full range of transportation solutions, including vehicle replacement, car repairs, licensing and car payment assistance to low and moderate income working families.

“What a perfect gift for Christmas; the gift of independence and the ability to prosper in 2015,” shared State Farm agent, Dick Martin.

Based on a “wish list” provided by Philicia and her daughter, twelve State Farm agents surprised the Veteran with donated toys and gifts to fill the entire back seat of the car.

“My daughter is going to be extremely happy to see gifts under the Christmas tree. We had no gifts until today,” said Philicia. “Santa has arrived early this year at our home. I’m very grateful and appreciative to everyone at State Farm for donating the car and gifts. This is a Christmas I will never forget!”

Left to Right: State Farm Agents Elizabeth Lawson, Joyce Coleman, and Herma White, Veteran Philicia Burton, and State Farm Agent Dick Martin Back row (left to right): State Farm Auto Estimator Gregory Griffiths and State Farm Community Specialist Jose Soto

On September 10, 2009 Zachary Siegfried was playing outside with his twin brother Kyle and friends. Suddenly, and without warning, Zachary had a fatal brain aneurysm at the young age of seven.

Baseball was a family affair for the Siegfried’s. Zachary played first base for his local team, his twin brother played third base and their father Steve was the assistant coach. Zachary’s signature smile was as much a fixture on the field as the number four on the back of his uniform.

Ball Parks 4 Him: Zachary’s Legacy Helps Others

When Zachary passed away, the Siegfrieds searched for a way to help others while remembering their son and brother. The family felt the best way to deal with his loss was to find a way to help those less fortunate participate in the sports they love. This idea led the Siegfrieds to found Ball Parks 4 Him in October of 2010, giving them a way to redirect the energy they spent grieving their loss into making the dreams of others come true.

“We believe in children and wanted to do something to make a difference in their lives. Ball Parks 4 Him was created in Zachary’s memory to help children with their sports financial needs,” said Zachary’s Mom, Melissa Siegfried.

The goal of this organization is simple: to offer financial assistance to children who want to play sports but may not have the money to do so. Remembering the joy and life sports gave their son, the Siegfrieds believe every child should have the opportunity to play sports no matter their ability to pay.

Slow Start – Lasting Impression

With a purpose, vision and goal, Ball Parks 4 Him began fundraising in 2010. The first fundraiser only resulted in just $100. Melissa was undeterred. When she received a call from a mother with a child in need, Melissa was determined to help.

In the first year, the organization helped 5 children with whatever they needed to get out on the field, including 9-year-old, Tyler, who was born with Amniotic Banding. His prosthetic leg and issues with his hand made it difficult for him to experience the thrill of playing many sports. But this is where Ball Parks 4 Him stepped in, helping Tyler’s family contact sports medicine physicians who were able to design and build Tyler a “sports/running” leg prosthetic as well as a prosthetic baseball glove.

Now Tyler can play baseball with two hands instead of one and participate in deck hockey – a fitting tribute to Zachary’s memory.

In 2014, Ball Parks 4 Him applied for, and won, a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist Grant. “We want to be able to help every child, and the grant will go a long way to reaching that goal.”

Today, Ball Parks 4 Him receives more than 30 applications a month for assistance with sports needs and continues to pay tribute to Zachary while making a lasting impact on the lives of others.