Anxious parents, press, and Buccaneer cheerleaders greeted 33 young adults, their chaperones and Derrick Brooks as they arrived at the Airport Marriott on Friday, June 10th. The scene of tearful reunions and cheers soon became an organized rally of last minute instructions and thank-you's from trip coordinators.

"We had a lovely, lovely, lovely time. We stayed at all the first-class hotels," remarked Bertha Gary, Director of the Ybor City Boys and Girls Club. "We went on safari. We got to see the prison where Mandela was housed for so many years."

Most importantly, as everyone pointed out, the trip was all about the kids and what they got to experience.

"The kids were great! They were also eager to learn, they were good listeners—they just had a ball, thanks to Derrick," Gary added.

The group was fortunate enough to participate in a myriad of activities, including visiting South Africa's major cities, such as Johannesburg, Cape Town; going on safari; visiting historical and cultural venues; and meeting people they will never forget.

"It was so much fun!" Latoria Kitchen, 15, a student at Chamberlain High School exclaimed. "We saw a bunch of animals -we saw the Big Five (elephant, rhino, water buffalo, leopard, and lion)!"

Like many of her peers, Latoria was thrilled to share her experiences, but eager finally to go home after a tiring journey.

Humbled, grateful and travel-weary, Derrick Brooks had very little time to share his thoughts between hugs and last-minute responsibilities.

"The Lord blessed this trip—He blessed me with 33 beautiful kids that soaked up all the knowledge that they possibly could from South Africa," Brooks said. "The journey begins for them now. They get to come back and take a lot of information from over there and bring it back here to help make our country a better country and make them better people."

For seven years, Brooks has sponsored similar trips in an effort to reward those who have maintained good grades in school and have shown positive effort and behavior. Students had to study the history and culture of Africa at workshops, write essays, research and present a portfolio. Thanks to Derrick Brooks and the supporters of his program, these 33 got to experience first-hand the culture, people and land they have been studying.

"It was unbelievable," an excited Navoy Frederick, 17, a student at Robinson High School said. His proud mother and grandmother were by his side. "We pretty much explored South Africa and all it had to offer. The biggest thing I'm taking away is to give back. Derrick Brooks is always, constantly, giving back to us kids, to make life better for us. If I can do that, I want to do the same thing."

It seems as though every year Derrick Brooks' adventures get more in depth and more supported. Touching the lives of so many deserving young adults, Brooks is sure to remain the role model he has become. For these kids, most of whom have never left the county before, getting this opportunity has meant undergoing a life-changing moment, one that they will never forget, and all in the course of ten days. It does not necessarily require a superstar or super-athlete to dream of such a program, it takes a dedicated hero and a handful people who share a common vision. Brooks is both; and with humility and a drive to do what he believes is in the best interest for children, he remains a solid example of what those who have the means and resources should be doing: giving back.

Brooks smiled when asked if he had plans for next year. "I just want to get to my family and we'll deal with next year when we get there."