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Annual Youth Fest draws more than 200 people |
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| By Peggy R. Shearin Observer Correspondent |
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| More than 200 people turned out for a day of activities in Warrenton during the sixth annual Youth Fest, held by the Warren County County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and Youth Services Bureau. The theme for this year’s event was "Be Like Me – Crime Free." Activities got under way when Debbie K. Scott, Youth Services director, welcomed the gathering at the John Graham Center. Carroll Hill, local saxophonist rendered the prelude, and Dennis Gayles, Juvenile Crime Prevention Council chairman, introduced the juvenile council members. Hilda Baskerville, Healthy Carolinians Partnership coordinator, discussed Healthy Carolinians Day, being held in conjunction with Youth Fest 2007. Steve Hyman, Youth Services program assistant, gave an overview of the juvenile council’s special events committee. John J. Hawkins, a retired detective from the Washington, D. C., Metropolitan Police Department, introduced the guest speaker for the event. Carolyn Burnette Hawkins, a former FBI Analyst, spoke to assembled youth on the importance of staying crime free and putting your faith in the Lord. She stressed the opportunities available to youth today and the need for everyone to use a positive influence, like religion, to help in making the right decisions concerning peer pressure, drugs, alcohol or other choices. Warren County Commissioner Ernie Fleming was present for the event, and spoke briefly to the crowd on the positive influence of the Youth Services Bureau. Local clubs, civic groups, organizations and businesses set up displays and brought information about the services offered by their agencies. Some of the activities enjoyed by the participants were a giant slide, a magic show, and a moonwalk. The Warren County High School Chorus; the Warren County Middle School Step Team; the Pinkston Street Elementary School Step Team; the In Him We Move praise dancers; Brother Champion and the Community Choir; the praise dancers of Greenwood Baptist Church; the Tabernacle of Witness Praise Team; the Full Gospel Faith Ministries Praise Dancers; and the Union Grove Junior Choir provided entertainment. "Working Together to Reach the Youth" is the motto of the Youth Services Bureau of Warren County. Their mission is to keep children safe, families together and reduce the incidence of juvenile crime in the local community. The bureau works with local agencies in serving at-risk and potentially at-risk youth between the ages of six and nineteen by offering programs and activities promoting the development of personal and social skills. Warren County Mental Health, Social Services, the local school system, juvenile courts and parents recommend children for the After School Guided Growth Program. These youth participate in activities geared toward developing positive social and communication skills and help youth develop good decision making skills. The One-on-One program matches an adult volunteer as a mentor with a Warren County youth between the ages of 6-19. The mentor spends two hours per week for a year with his or her friend; this gives the child a new perspective through such activities as ball games, swimming, movies, picnics and tutoring. If you are interested in donating your time or services to the youth of Warren County, please call Debbie Scott or Steve Hymon at 257-0428. |
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| May 9, 2007 | ||||||
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