As another celebration of St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone I wonder if the luck the day is supposed to bring will last all year. Luck is a powerful word that gets tossed around as easily as a leprechaun would in a game of catch. And yet the true meaning of the word is as elusive as the search for the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

There are many superstitions that people believe will help them be lucky: finding a four-leafed clover, wearing a favorite hat, picking a special number, finding a penny on the street and the list goes on.

Often times you will hear someone say about another’s good fortune, “everything just works out for her or he’s always been lucky”. I think when people say that; they are using it as an excuse to not have to take responsibility for their life. They justify why certain things they have chosen just didn’t work out because they didn’t have good “luck”.

As you develop the leader within, remember that luck does not just belong to the Irish, to a certain person, or a team that makes a game winning shot. Luck is available to anyone and the good fortune that comes with it if you: Live each day passionately
Stay focused on your goals
Persevere…and persevere despite the obstacles and challenges
And seize opportunities that present themselves.

Holy Cross High School celebrated their annual “Founder's Week” with Ed Gerety as their kick off speaker. Denise Marcella and her leadership team designed the week’s activities around the principles of Ed’s program. They put together an outstanding week and below is an outline of the events:

Monday, "Spirit Day” Everyone in the school was urged to dress in school colors. Tuesday “Day of Respect”, a time to celebrate all the diversities existing within the school community. Students’ talents in fine arts were highlighted in an Art Show and a Jazz Ensemble performance in the front lobby before school. All day the athletes wore their team jerseys. During lunches, a festival of culture was held in the café, with tables representing the various ethnic backgrounds of the students and faculty. Also in the café, a large-scale map of the world hung for every person to place a star on his or her country of heritage.

Wednesday “Day of Gratitude” Student leaders sold and delivered springtime colored carnations to people within the school they wished to thank. The proceeds from this sale were donated to a charity chosen by the student leaders. During lunches the faculty were treated to large chocolate-chip cookies from the Student Council in appreciation of all of their work and efforts.

Thursday “Day of Kindness”, was highlighted by “FILL ”ER UP”, a school-wide food drive. The Art Club created cartoon-style cars, one for each class, from washing machine sized boxes. Classes were encouraged to fill their cars in friendly competition. The class bringing in the greatest amount of donations was treated to a “Krispy Kreme” breakfast on Friday morning in the café. Students were also encouraged to sign a “Kindness Pledge” which will be posted during lunches in the café.

Friday “Founder’s Week ‘04” cake was served to all the students and special guests were invited to a private luncheon hosted by Student Activities.

Michael A. Crocco, MA, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in the state of New Hampshire. Since 1997 he has been working with at-risk teens and their families.

Question: “My boyfriend is starting to experiment with drugs and alcohol with his friends, I care about him and want him to stop, what should I do?” – Melissa, age 16.

Answer: Whenever somebody we care about becomes involved with a behavior that is detrimental to his or her physical and emotional well being it is very difficult for everyone involved. This is especially true when speaking about substance use and/or abuse. Because of the nature of drug use and the ease in which one may become addicted, my general rule is always this: the sooner the person is confronted on their behavior the more likely they will be to stop.

Confronting people we care about and love is never easy; it takes courage, strength and a clear knowledge that what you are doing is in their best interest. When thinking about confronting somebody in your life that is beginning to use or has been using drugs and alcohol you may want to consider these factors:

1. Identify one or two people beside yourself who are respected by your boyfriend and to whom you think they will listen. As every teenager knows, it is difficult to take advice from somebody you do not respect.
2. Remember that whenever anybody is confronted it is very easy for them to become defensive and angry. Prepare yourself for that and be ready to respond to those feelings that your boyfriend may express. Let him know you are not judging him but that you are worried and want only what is best for him.
3. Seek out your guidance counselor at your school and ask them if there are any student run organizations in your school or community that deal with these types of issues. There are many resources right in our community that can help you with this situation.
4. If you think that your boyfriend’s drug use has gone beyond experimentation you may want to ask a drug counselor to assist you. Remember that although drug use is very prevalent it is still illegal in this country. Your boyfriend could find himself in trouble with the law if he continues to use.
5. Lastly, and this is difficult to remember. In the very end of it all, your boyfriend has to want to stop using drugs and alcohol. If you find that he is just not listening to you and is continuing to use you may want to involve his parents and other professionals.

If you have a question for Mike or a comment to share, email info@EdGerety.com

Coleen Kelley
Character Development Teacher Rolling Hills Elementary, Aurora CO
Owner/Director of The Wizard’s Way Camp

What does it take to be a leader?
Takes vision, compassion, knowing how to work together with people, integrity, and having the belief and confidence to take a stand for something. Tolerance and mutual respect for others.

Who is your role model? Why?
My Grandmother. She’s a completely selfless woman who’s whole life is about love, acceptance, and contributing to others.

How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who’s all about heart. As someone who made each day a little bit better. Being a bright light. Someone who is generous, a great friend, wife, mother and family member.

What are your three steps to success?
Have Solid Character, Believe in what you do, Have fun

What inspires you?
The power of love, kids making a difference, and the generosity of others.

Will the Red Sox win the World Series this year?
They’ll give it a valiant effort…unfortunately they’ll fall short.