Nearly 100 Griffin Middle School students considered "at-risk" got a reality check on Friday. It was the first in a series of special assemblies that will be taking place at the district's Title One middle schools in the coming year.
The word from local law enforcers, prosecutors, adult mentors and even sports stars to the kids was simply to stay out of trouble. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil gave one of the highlight talks as the young audience listened with rapt attention.
"We are absolutely focused on trying to make sure that you don't come into my detention facility. I don't want to arrest any of you. EVER! I care deeply about you and so do some of the other people in this community."
But it seems most of these kids have already been exposed to very grown-up kinds of trauma. Nearly all raised their hands when asked if they personally knew anyone who'd been shot. Nearly no hands went down when the question was if they knew someone who'd been shot to death. Royle King is the director of the Sheriff Department's Council on the Status of Men and Boys.
"There was maybe one person who hadn't and once they have to connect with that reality, they start listening with more pointed ears. And it's just the reality of what we're dealing with now. It's unfortunate, but it's reality. And that's why events like today's is so critical."
King says the assemblies will be happening in the district's Title One middle schools throughout 2026.
