BY LEON B. CREWS

Sentinel Staff Writer

No matter where Candi Lane was or what she was doing, she always found the time to work on her true passion, helping our young people develop their skills.

Since connecting with the nationally recognized “Rep Yo School” program, Ms. Lane has organized several events, and has also developed a magazine that will feature the youth the program has helped, and the mentors and sponsors who made it all possible.

“We will have a television show coming out in the fall, and I’m also looking for middle and high school students to be members of a panel.

“We’ve just finished a talent competition, and now we’re preparing for our awards show.”

Ms. Lane said the focus is on teaching students a technique known as “pay forward.” “It’s all about teaching kids how to appreciate what they have, and to help others achieve as well.

“We also reach outside of the organization in an effort to provide help for the homeless.”

Ms. Lane started the local Rep Yo School program 6 years ago, and she said it has grown tremendously since their last awards show.

“We attract kids to the program through word-of-mouth and the internet. We also interact with parents, teachers, and principals at area schools.

“For a student to be a part of the panel, they must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and they must be motivated.”