Dear Five Star,

(Letter from a 7th grade boy)

5 Star,
Two years ago I was a problem child. In my 4th, 5th, and 6th grade year I had 4 police reports filed against me. I was suspended in 6th grade for fighting. Throughout my 3 bad years I was jumped 3 times. Not only was my school behavior bad, I was worse at home. I didn't do chores, broke stuff, and I was disrespectful. My mom had recommended military school and was ready to send me. Early in my 7th grade year Seth came to Schmuker and told us about 5 Star! To be honest, I only joined because there was free food and a way to get away from my crappy life.

The first season of 5 Star wasn't special for me. I had brought my attitude to 5 Star. I figured after a while the coaches would give up on me just like my dad, my "cool" friends, my sisters, and in my eyes (at that time) god. But for some reason they wouldn't give up. I cussed at them, I beat up kids, and I didn't care. But they wouldn't give up. Second season was hardly better.

I don't know why but season 3 changed me. I just became a 5 Star student! I was respectful and just different. At this time I'm a great kid. I even made honor role. In two years 5 Star has saved my life! Thank you all!

(Letter from a mom of a 5 Star student)

Dear Coach,
You need to know how important what you do is to at least one boy. My son, ________, at 13 years old has been let down, dropped, or abandoned by every man in his life so far. His father left, Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization told him they'd match him up and didn't, teachers in school who said he was too much of a problem to deal with because he couldn't sit still, cub scouts and boy scout leaders who continually forgot him, his step father who started out telling him he could talk to him anytime and now isn't very nice to him at all, and various others like fathers of his friends who would invite him to come along and something would come up. One of which told him he could come over to his house anytime and hang out with the boys and then moved without even telling him goodbye! All have promised to be there for him and then were not. Now, please understand I am well aware that most of these were not done maliciously or even on purpose. It did become expected for my son to assume that anytime a grown man offered help to him it wasn't going to happen.

Until 5 Star! I do not exaggerate. He has never been forgotten or left behind. When you've said your going to be there, you are. When you've said your going to call, you have. Everyone with this organization has been consistent on keeping their word and respectful of him always. He will have this example in his life (so far) a group of men kept their word to him and didn't forget him.
He has even begun to allow himself hope in new relationships with men he is associated with at church. Thank you so much for giving him this gift that may seem to you so simple, but for this boy so vital at this time in his life at this age.
Thank you,
his mom