Operations Director, Sabrina N. Gilchrist, recounts her first encounter with two outstanding CMPD Officers who have mentored with RMFY for several years. We salute them for their service to our youth, and wish them well in their retirement from the force.

It was August 2010, and I was new to the area. I had just joined the staff of Right Moves For Youth as the Program Manager for middle and high schools. It was my first week, and my Executive Director had just assigned me the task of going out to some of our schools to meet volunteers. My first stop was to the old J.T. Williams Middle School. I walked in the front office, introduced myself as a member of the RMFY staff, and asked to speak to the school resource officer.  Only a couple of minutes later, Officer Brian Whitley stood in front of me. I’ll never forget his mischievous grin and familial banter: “Oh, so you’re the new kid, huh?”  From that point forward, Officer Whitley and I poked fun at each other anytime we crossed paths. I not only value his authenticity and wit, but I also value his commitment to the students of RMFY. I had the opportunity to serve students alongside Officer Whitley at Westerly Hills Middle School. Every week, I watched him interact with RMFY students with fatherly care, listening to their concerns, offering wisdom, and never holding punches when it came to what was right.

Shortly after starting at RMFY, I had the golden opportunity to meet a school resource officer with high energy, spunk, and an incredible sense of humor. Officer Tonya Kiser kept me laughing as she would recount experiences she had with students, and tell me what we needed to focus on in the curriculum to help her students at Northeast Middle School. What I admire most about Officer Kiser is her dependability. Whatever was needed, she was there. She never missed a volunteer training, would work tirelessly to ensure students turned in necessary paperwork, and would even make sure they had transportation to various RMFY activities.

Both Officer Whitley and Officer Kiser have been around to witness the growth and evolution of RMFY. I had the honor of asking them a few questions about their experience, and any wisdom they want to leave with us as they retire from CMPD.

Officer Brian Whitley

• About how long have you been volunteering with RMFY? What kept you going with the program?

“I have been volunteering with Right Moves for about 10 years. Our participation in the program is expected by our Chain of Command within the Police Dept. but even if it wasn’t required, I would freely volunteer my time, because it is a worthy cause.“

• Has your involvement in RMFY helped you grow as a person? If so, how?

“My involvement in Right Moves has helped me because it gave me a platform which allowed me to get to know the students on a more personal level as oppose to the having the typical Police/student dynamic.“

• What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in RMFY?

“Probably my most memorable experience is when I took several kids to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to see a NASCAR race. This was the first time I and most of the kids had seen a NASCAR race in person. I remember the look of excitement and anticipation on their faces and the sheer enjoyment they took in attending the race and meeting a NASCAR driver.“

• Why should someone get involved with RMFY?

“The Right Moves program allows kids to see and experience things they would not normally experience. Students are exposed to positive examples of how to conduct themselves. I would recommend students to get involved because the program teaches and gives students tools for success.“

• Any parting words of wisdom for us (RMFY students or staff) as you enter into retirement?

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this program. I have grown as an individual just as much as the students have. In my 10 years, I have encountered former students (who are now 24/25 years old) who still remember me and tell me how much Right Moves impacted their lives.“

Officer Tonya Kiser

• About how long have you been volunteering with RMFY? What kept you going with the program?

“I have been volunteering for about 8 years altogether.   I have been a SRO 3 times and each time I was involved with RMFY.“

• Has your involvement in RMFY helped you grow as a person? If so, how?

“Yes.  I love talking to the kids and being able to participate in something without the presence of a uniform all of the time.“

• What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in RMFY?

“The most memorable experience happened in 2008-2009. I did a lesson on personal finance.  We created a mock life, with a job, a budget, a place to live and everything.  I wanted them to see how their actions, attitudes and choices could affect them for years to come.  For example, we talked about why homework is important; why instant gratification is a doubled edged sword; and, why hard work never killed anyone! I won the middle school Volunteer of the Year award for that one!“

• Why should someone get involved with RMFY?

“I think that people should get involved with RMFY because it offers a unique opportunity to volunteer with an organization that goes from middle through high school and beyond. You never know what you can teach someone or you never know what you can learn from someone!“

• Any parting words of wisdom for us (RMFY students or staff) as you enter into retirement?

“Be kind.  It doesn’t cost anything but you get so much in return.“

We thank both Officers Whitley and Kiser for their unfailing commitment to serve the Charlotte community, especially our young people. They will be missed as they embark upon retirement. However, we’ll be knocking at their doors and convincing them to mentor again (after they get a little rest, of course).