CONTRIBUTED BY DREAM DAY FOUNDATION
OPELIKA —
Creating an atmosphere that will be supportive, inclusive and engaging, the Dream Day Foundation, along with 14 other youth organizations, is excited to announce a community initiative — a Teen Summit — that is set to take place on Saturday, July 15. This event will be hosted at Opelika High School this year with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with the summit running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are 15 organizations from across Lee County that have come together for the first time to collaboratively host this event. Each of these organizations is already making a positive difference in the community.
The theme, “Shine Bright Like A Diamond,” places focus on interpersonal and personal growth, and will address issues that youth are facing today. The organizations have united to create an exciting day that is uniquely designed to empower youth, which will feature keynote speaker Reginald Foreman, an at-risk specialist, author, speaker, designer and inventor. Foreman presently resides with his wife and child in Phenix City, Alabama, and will share the unbelievable life story that took him from the jailhouse to the White House. Also, keynote speaker Monique Rogers, motivational speaker and CEO of H&S Commercial & Industrial Supply, will share her life story. Rogers, who resides in Mobile, has ties to this community by way of her daughter Raven Harvest.
The summit will also offer breakout sessions led by many local leaders and presenters, as well as Fred Spencer, a former Division I basketball player and the author of “Anti-Bullying Through Sports.” The event is open to all middle school, high school and college students, regardless of gender or race. It will also feature a college and parent session that will help equip parents with tools to help their child(ren) develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Members of some of the Divine 9 will perform during registration.
This is the combined effort of many youth organizations from the Lee County area that have come together with one mission: to empower our youth with the right tools they need to build upon as they continue to transition into adulthood. The main goal is to bring awareness and offer solutions to issues that impact the most vulnerable in local schools and communities.
It is anticipated that a minimum of 200 young people will attend; therefore, the organizations said they would appreciate additional support from businesses, organizations, individuals and other youth groups. The community is encouraged to share the information for this free event. A free lunch will be provided by the Good Ol’ Boys and door prizes for youth as well as parents will be available. Registration is required, and can be done through Eventbrite with no printed tickets needed. On-site registration is allowed; however, it is encouraged that youth and parents pre-register. Flyers with QR code and/or registration cards can be picked up at The Curtis House, Opelika Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Auburn and Opelika.
A special thank you is due to all the event’s collaborators: 3D Elite, Auburn City Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., James Owens Foundation, LEAPS, Lee County Youth Development Center, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Opelika City Schools, The Curtis House, The Dream Day Foundation, Opelika Housing Authority, The Way To Serve Ministries, A2 Advancing Adolescents Auburn and Yes!Pallets.
Major sponsors include Kroger Inc., McDonald’s of Auburn, Opelika, Shorter and Tuskegee, the Opelika City Council and the Lee County Commissioners.
Contact Marion Sankey at 334-663-6638, or a representative from any organization listed above, for more information.