Read how a young immigrant from Mexico is contributing to his society by providing a healthy alternatives to tempting risky lifestyles! While gangs, drugs, violence, and alcohol are attractive outlets for summer boredom, Daniel Mondragon is using dance to persuade his peers to steer clear of the negative pressure they face as adolescents. Journalist Joe Johnson from the Athens Banner-Herald explains Daniel's successes as a youth immigrant and his goals for fellow kids in the article Immigrant hopes a cultural draw will provide a positive alternative-

Daniel Mondragon hopes to use an important part of his culture - dance - to give other Hispanic teens a way to hang out and show off without getting in trouble. 

Mondragon came from Mexico nine years ago. Here, he learned fluent English, participated in the DARE program and went through a junior police academy. The 18-year-old has organized a series of dance classes that begin Friday and will culminate next month with a competition. 

"For Hispanics, and especially Mexicans, music and dancing is a very important part of their culture," he said. "Kids join gangs because they think they'll gain respect from their peers, but you can earn respect in different areas, like being a good dancer," Mondragon said. 

Mondragon hopes to turn the dance competition into a learning experience. He's also solicited former gang members, friends who have struggled with drugs and alcohol, and even police officers to speak to teens during dance class breaks.

But Jim Gaudin, a retired University of Georgia professor of social work, never heard of a grass-roots effort like Mondragon's. "We need guys like Daniel, who know the culture and know the kids," Gaudin said. "He represents the idealism of youth, and it is a tremendous asset to have that kind of enthusiasm and altruism which, sometimes, is sadly lacking in our society."

Photo courtesy of Athens Banner-Herald