The RiverPlex is proud to be a supporter of c.h.o.i.c.e.s. (Can’t Have Our Independent Choices Endangering Society) Youth Outreach. c.h.o.i.c.e.s. challenges youth with a three-phase program that stresses the impact of the daily choices they make, while it empowers them to develop the inner strength to make solid decisions in spite of peer pressure or other obstacles that they may face in their day-to-day journey from childhood to adulthood.

Carl Cannon, Supervisor Youth Outreach, headlines this dynamic presentation. Cannon, calling on his previous experiences as a corrections officer, blends role play, audience response and straight talk with first-hand accounts from individuals who have suffered through the consequences of poor judgment. Since its inception in 1998, approximately 120,000 students have listened to Cannon’s message about making positive, healthy choices. For details, contact Carrie directly at 589-5923.

Cannon and the c.h.o.i.c.e.s. program have received numerous awards:

• National Recreation & Park Association Humanitarian Award, 2003
• Illinois Center for Violence Prevention PeaceLeader 2003 Award/Individual PeaceLeader
• Court TV cable network’s “Everyday Heroes” Award, 2003
• Employer of the Year by the Central Illinois Council for Exceptional Children, 2003
• Illinois Attorney General Peace Keeper Award, 2003
• Peoria County Associatoin of Police Chiefs Citizen of the Year, 2003
• Sigma Image Award, 2004
• National Caring Award and induction into the National Caring Hall of Fame in Washington D.C., 2004
• Inductee into the Central Illinois African American Hall of Fame, 2005
• Central Illinois Interfaith Alliance Faith and Freedon Award, 2007
• American Red Cross Local Heroes Award, 2007