Manning up: Goldsboro Fire Explorers are role models for how to choose a path

It is not easy being one of the good guys.

It takes courage. It takes commitment, and it requires a belief that it is OK to expect more for yourself and for your future.

The members of the Goldsboro Fire Explorers had the choice to pursue a different path -- one that they knew could lead them to very different lives -- perhaps jail, perhaps death.

Instead, they chose another -- a road that will bring them a skill, success, a job and, perhaps, a solid family life someday.

They chose to be men, not thugs.

Their path is not an easy one -- none of the good ones ever are.

But these young men deserve recognition for the work they do and the mature decisions they have made.

They could be role models for the thousands of children who are struggling with the same choice every day.

And we, and their parents, should be proud of them.

Published in Editorials on April 22, 2013 10:52 AM