Kids become everyday heroes

SUPERIOR – A group of kids recently took on the goal of improving the Superior community by providing a positive experience to anyone who is interested.

After getting in trouble at school for drugs, the group decided to turn their focus around – better themselves and their community.

The kids have established a H.E.R.O. Club, a club focused on providing positive activities for kids in the area. H.E.R.O. stands for help, encourage and reach out.

The club offers organized activities and hopes to grow in coming months.

With the support of the Mineral County Attorney and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the H.E.R.O. Club aims to educate youth and help those in need.

“Everybody wanted to work together to create a positive environment for the kids, so that’s what we did,” parent and organizer Michael Simpson said. “We got together all of us parents and we decided instead of our kids learning about what is out there, we can help educate them on what is out there. And have a good time all together and raise awareness.”

The idea came from Simpson’s daughter Lenaya. After getting into some trouble herself, she decided to bring back a program she used to belong to when she resided in Washington. The H.E.R.O. Club is based on a model implemented at her previous school.

“There is nothing to do in a small town, so we are kind of giving kids something to do, something to look forward to,” Lenaya explained.

The program has been a collaboration of the group of kids and their parents. Together the group hopes to bring change and help to the community.

In the first ever event of its kind in Mineral County, the club met on Saturday, June 21. Refreshments were provided and a plethora of games including volleyball, Frisbee and badminton were available.

In weeks to come, the club has bigger and better plans. Their next event will feature a pool party and from there they hope to continue providing fun events for Superior’s youth.

The club also plans to bring in speakers to help educate the kids on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Whether it be a police officer, a doctor or a drug counselor, the parents and kids hope to send an important message – there are better ways to spend your time than high or drunk.

“I think the ones that have been there and are getting help are going to be the best ones to show everyone how to say no,” another parent and organizer Chrissy Randolph said.

The kids have inspired the parents to help and have instilled a fire and passion within the group that is easy to see.

“Our kids are our support. They are our heroes,” parent and organizer Melinda Simpson said.  “These kids are inspirational and they are making a difference in our lives even. They just want to make a difference in the community’s lives.”

The group plans to meet two times a month. Along with summer activities, the group hopes to continue throughout the school year, giving kids something to do throughout the whole year.

Car washes and bake sales may also be in the future for the club as the kids try to fundraise money for different events they want to hold. By doing so, the kids do not burden their parents financially, instead they want to hold themselves responsible and run the club with the funds raised.

Their next event will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Eva Horning Swimming Pool in Superior. The drug and alcohol event will be chaperoned and will also feature a guest speaker.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call Melinda Simpson at 499-2633 or Chrissy Randolph at 273-1172.