The Rites of Passage Program (ROPP) is designed for girls ages 7-18. The program focus is to teach young girls through eight monthly four hour educational workshops that emphasize self discipline, self awareness, character building, ancestral history, community service, cultural diversity, goal setting, etiquette, personal hygiene, and high education. The ROPP begins in October and ends in May.

The Auxiliary

Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary supports the Rites of Passage Program by helping raise funds through ticket sales from the Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Show that will be hosted by and benefiting Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary's ROPP. The auxiliary members also spend their time volunteering in the ROPP and with the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant.

Mentors and Volunteers

All mentors and volunteers must go through a mentor training session before they can become a mentor or volunteer in the ROPP. The training consist of the following topics:

• qualities of a successful mentor,
• what a mentor is,
• what a mentor is not,
• tasks of a mentor, and
• what a mentee looks for in a mentor.

Vision Statement

The vision statement for Derrick Brooks Charities Youth Auxiliary's Rites of Passage Program is to empower and encourage young girls with morals and values that will last a lifetime; while building character that will enable them to transition into successful women.

Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant

On May 7, 2011, Derrick Brooks Charities hosted it's 5th Annual Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant at the University Area Community Center. The theme of the 2011 Pageant was "Celebrating the Women of the Harlem Renaissance." There were fourteen young ladies competing for prizes and awards. 

The Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant is a direct extension of the Rites of Passage Mentoring Program. In order to become a contestant the young ladies have to participate in the program and meet specific requirements. The Rites of Passage Program is designed for females ages 7 to 18 years. The program's focus is to teach lessons in ancestral history, character building, goal setting, etiquette, high education, and much more.

The mission of the Miss Tampa Bay Youth Pageant is to empower young females by providing educational opportunities that will not only enrich their minds but their spirits as well; providing them the opportunity to improve character by building self esteem, learn discipline by following rules and guidelines, work together as a team, display individual talents, and winning prizes and awards.

The pageant consists of three divisions - Little Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss Tampa Bay Youth. Congratulations to our winners: 

Miss Tampa Bay Youth Winners:

Miranda Davis and Blair Huggins

1st Runner Up  Janay Phillips
2nd Runner Up  Cislyn Edwards

Junior Miss Tampa Bay Youth Winner

Lyrik Courtney

1st Runner Up Auja Saunders
2nd Runner Up  Clarissa Thornton

Little Miss Tampa Bay Youth Winner:

Chanel McCrimmon

1st Runner Up Jmya Brooks
2nd Runner Up Nyla McGriff
3rd Runner Up Tikkia Lamar
4th Runner Up Taniah Marc

For more information about the pageant, please contact carol@derrickbrookscharities.org

Program Outline

The ROPP begins its eight month sessions starting in October and ending in May. All participants have certain requirements and guidelines that must be followed.

Guidelines

• Arrive for sessions on time.
• Be prepared with all given materials.
• Provide a monthly school progress report.
• Work toward a GPA of 2.5 or better.
• No profanity
• Show respect and consideration for peers and adults.
• Listen attentively and follow instructions.
• Maintain control of voice and actions at all times
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward learning and others.
• No personal belongings (i.e., ipods, cell phones, beauty items, gum, or candy).
• Contact the program coordinator when unable to attend monthly sessions.

Requirements

• Develop a portfolio during the passage period.
• Develop an appreciation for reading and acquiring knowledge.
• Explore educational opportunities, including higher education.
• Develop an awareness of understanding and self.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Participate in a community service project.
• Volunteer services to the neighborhood and community
• Memorize ROPP Pledge and Oath.

For more information about the program, please contact Tresa Boykin @ tresab1@verizon.net or Ms. Luvator @ 3girls1guy@tampabay.rr.com