Hazelwood Central High School is hosting the Young Women and Men’s Youth Conference: Facing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles, on Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the auditorium. The free conference welcomes middle and high school students, their parents and the community. No reservations are required.
Glenn Ellis, a staff member in the Alternative Support Center, is coordinating the conference, with involvement from students and staff. It will include a panel discussion featuring professionals who will share advice based on their experiences, as well as an opportunity to meet with college representatives.
“The purpose of the conference is to connect young people with local professionals who can offer lessons in life skills to help them be more successful. My hope is that they will share tools that will help students be more successful in school and in life,” said Ellis.
“I want students to know that they can succeed despite poor choices or grades. They can learn from the challenges that others have encountered and overcome,” he continued.
Guest panelists include Karlton Thornton, vice president, Hazelwood School District Board of Education; Brandon Nelson, student services coordinator, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Dr. Kenneth Poole Jr., primary care physician; Bernard Whittington, a 1989 graduate of Hazelwood East High School and former NFL player; Ashlee Roberts, coordinator, Diversity and Service, University of Missouri-St. Louis; Adrienne Rainey, executive director, The Dream Big Foundation; LaTia King, consultant; and Candelaria Collins, author and blogger, who will serve as a moderator.
Participating colleges include UMSL, Missouri Baptist University, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and Harris-Stowe State University, as well as alumni representatives from Morehouse College and Tennessee State University.
For questions about the conference, call Glenn Ellis at (314) 953-6473.