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PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN HOSTS STUDENT LEADERS OF THE FUTURE CONFERENCE  
On May 21st, 2003 Partnership with Children hosted its first annual Emotional Health and Wellness Day at Junior High School 258, located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The day was marked by the Student Leaders of the Future Conference, which was dedicated to helping at-risk youth gain positive coping skills by listening to adults who overcame obstacles to reach their goals. The conference was organized by 60 members of JHS 258’s Student Council who were trained in leadership skills by Partnership with Children’s social work staff.
The conference featured keynote addresses by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, New York Giants Defensive Lineman Frank Ferrara, Manhattanville College Baseball Coach Joe Ferraro and Court TV newscaster James Curtis. The speakers shared their personal stories of hardships, obstacles and successes with over 750 seventh and eight grade students. All of the speakers stressed the importance of taking care of one’s physical and emotional well-being, especially during the trying times of adolescence. Following the keynote addresses, speakers and other members of the community discussed the need to stay in school, keep healthy, and avoid negative peer influences with students in a small group setting. Participants also encouraged students to reach out to positive adults as role models. Markowitz stated: “Take it from me. You can achieve your dreams. You can accomplish your goals. You just have to believe in yourself.” Students left the conference inspired to follow in the footsteps of Markowitz, Ferrara, Ferraro and Curtis by following their dreams and making a positive impact on their community. To view a press release of JHS 258’s Student Leaders of the Future Conference , click HERE. | |||||||||
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