Special to the
Opelika Observer
The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) and its partners will host its first annual two-day Teen Summit titled WIRED (wisdom, inspired, respect, educate and discipline) for Success. This two-day event will be held on Oct. 18 and 19 in the Greater Peace Family Life Center.
Studies have shown students ages 13 to 18 to be the loneliest generation of all time. Despite the constant sharing of their personal lives on social media, teens often feel they are lacking in meaningful and interpersonal connections. Social media, technology and peer pressure often lead teens to development of unhealthy lifestyles including drugs, smoking, sex and obesity. In addition, social media and cyber bullying have also been linked to an increase in teen suicide.
The two-day event will kick off Oct. 18 with Free-Style Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Fraternities and sororities from Auburn, Troy and Tuskegee universities will provide a step show along with other fun interactive activities.
Oct. 19 will consist of fun and informative sessions. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and end promptly at 1 p.m. following lunch. Saturday will consist of a hands-on science experiment, keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Professionals from across East Alabama will participate in breakout sessions providing students with valuable information in the areas of health and wellness, the impact of social media, financial literacy and the importance of soft skills.
A parent workshop will also take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where school counselors, administrators and law enforcement will be on hand to provide vital information regarding new laws, available resources, NCAA eligibility requirements and more.
For more information, call 334-749-9487.
Summit partners include: Auburn Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, CleanCut Elite, FNF Ministries, Greater Peace Baptist Church, Love U Love U, Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Ward 2 Academy.