In the former industrial center of Camden, New Jersey, a city with the highest crime rate in the United States, Tawanda Jones drills over 300 children at Camden Sophisticated Sisters. Practice starts at 5pm, but doesn't really get going until 5:30pm, after "Miss Wawa" has hugged and kissed all the kids. Jones sets a tough standard: each team member must complete 200 hours of community service, keep up with homework, maintain at least a C average in school, and come to practice on time. The results? In a city with a 50% high school drop out rate, 100% of Miss Wawa's kids have graduated, with many going on to college and graduate programs.

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  • Hank

    In a city with so much hate and crime, it is so inspiring to hear about such a wonderful program. Miss Wawa is a shining light in a place of darkness.

  • Nancy

    It shows the power of love!! Wonderful story...

  • Mag

    Rising to find meaning in life and joy despite pain and hardship, that is how powerful one person's love can be! This is what Miss Wawa has demonstrated with her love! Thank you deeply Miss Wawa for your inspiration. May all good blessings be yours, Mag

  • rick fleming

    this was a fine example of how one person can influence and change peoples lives . wonder if such could work with the kids in central australia I am sure with right person it could

  • Richard

    Everything about this video inspires me The main thing is knowing that there lives a Queen who thu God has & is still doing exceedingly and abundant things for the community & she's truly dedicated to holding each and every child who walk in her sight on a peddlestool as if they are her children I have watched CSS since I was a young child and to be able to see that they are still going strong and getting so much recognition & positive light shined on them it feels great CSS should be the first thing that come to someone's head when they think of CAMDEN not bad news. It's bc of people like the amazing Tawanda & her CSS family that many of us my self included didn't do all of the wrong things in life . #Inspire B4 you expire.

  • Finnian G

    Give it up for Miss Wawa. What a wonderful and inspiring story. I live in Ireland but I lived in Deptford township in the 1980 and have taken the bus into and out of Philadelphia through Camden a number of times in recent years. Nobody has impacted Camden like you have. You're a born leader. Keep it up. God bless you Miss Wawa and all your "followers!

  • Gloria Siler

    Everything!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your blessing of love with these amazing young people!! I love you Miss WaWa!!!!!God bless you.

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Here's to sharing our gifts and skills and talents! So much good can happen when we open our hearts to others! Thank you Miss Wawa!!!!!!!

  • Margaret Taylor

    It shows that having a caring community much can be done to elevate the sisters' lives. Also, the standards required of the girls builds a healthy self discipline and satisfaction of a job well done leading to a good respect for themselves. Great leadership and love "Miss Wawa" gives to society!

  • Chanda

    It inspired me to do more! Use my time to continue to give to others! We all need to open our hearts like Miss Wawa!

  • Cindy

    Wow, Tawanda, you're a saint and a hero. Watching your kids dance and drum and perform made my day. And of course, it makes for a lot of uplifted lives. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • Doris

    What a beautiful blessing to so many! God Bless you Miss Wawa, and all those whose lives and hearts you touch!

  • Lisa

    So young and strong! What a blessing to the world!

  • O.I.G

    Skillss and love among the pupils

  • Chad Harper

    I'm going to meet this woman this week! 28 years wow! I need her as a mentor for what I do!

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  • Learn more about Camden Sophisticated Sisters, motivating, educating and empowering Camden's youth.
  • Whether it is a drill team or yoga, people are making a difference in the lives of urban teens everywhere.
  • Be the "favorite" aunt or uncle for a child in your life - share you unique talents, skills, and most importantly, love.

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