2008 Tawas Teen Summit

On February 4, 2008, Tawas Area Junior / Senior High School is hosting a Teen Summit. The idea evolved after 3 staff members attended a similar event at Mount Pleasant High School this past February. The positive feedback by both students and staff at Mount Pleasant High motivated our group to host a program at our school. This day is dedicated to our students. The intent is to provide education, awareness, and hope to our students through motivational speakers and presenters aimed at increasing student awareness of teen victimization and related issues faced by today’s teens.

Speakers and presenters will discuss the following issues: Suicide, Depression, Body Image, Healthy Relationships, Teen Sexuality, Self-Esteem, Learning Disabilities, and Bullying. Our keynote speakers include:

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, featuring Eric Hipple, former Detroit Lion’s quarterback. Eric lost a son to suicide and talks to the students about his own issues with depression. Program coordinator, Barb Smith talks to the students about the warning signs of depression and how and where to access help for yourself or someone who may be hurting. The message from the Yellow Ribbon program is “It’s OK to Ask4Help”.

Dr. Michael Fowlin does an amazing one-person show that deals with issues of race, discrimination, violence prevention, personal identity, suicide, gender equity, homophobia, and the emotional pain felt by special education children. The characters share their stories in an often humorous, but at times, heartbreaking manner.

Ben Glenn, the Chalk Guy, is a powerful, entertaining speaker. He speaks from the heart when he talks to the students about his own struggle with AD/HD. He encourages his audience to step outside their comfort zones to live a full life based on self-knowledge, personal responsibility and a positive attitude. He motivates students to have a greater appreciation for their “unique” talents and abilities. His show finishes with an awesome work of chalk art tying into his message. You can visit his website for a short video.

Teen Summit is a great way to empower the students to change their school community to one of tolerance, encouragement, and compassion. Creating new levels of respect and communication with peers and teachers will help create a safe environment, more conducive to learning.