Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Life Skill Conference Held For Group

Saturday, July 8, was an active day around the McRae Middle School in Prescott. The Boys to Men and Girls to Women held its third Life Skills Conference.

The conference started at 8:45 a.m. with registration. The first general session started at 9:15 with Shelia Butler, fifth grade math/science at Cabe Middle School in Gurdon, presiding. She presented an overview of the days activities.

A devotional was given by Tiffany Young, a 12th grader at Prescott High School. More Than Enough was sung and played on the trumpet by Jessica Brooks, a 2000 graduate of PHS. Regina Moreland sang Wind Beneath My Wings. Three young men  third, fifth and sixth graders, The Men of Destiny from Camden  performed a pantomime/dance routine to a gospel musical selection. All of these were done very well.

The break-out session started at 9:45 with Butler introducing the presenters for the classroom sessions. Topics discussed were as follows:

Teen pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases are problems facing young women across America today. Lue Kathryn Montgomery, co-health and safety coordinator of Hope Public Schools, said the best way to prevent both pregnancy and the diseases is to say no and mean it. However, if you make a mistake pick up the pieces of your life, set higher goals and go on with your life. Always remember that abstinence is the best choice.

Bloom pressure is known as the silent killer. People of all races, ages, cultures and gender are susceptible to this killer. With proper diet, exercise, good social habit and rest, a person may be able to avoid or control this disease, according to Pam Teague, a nurse from Southwest Arkansas Development Council Home Health in Prescott.

Drug prevention and staying out of trouble are two of the most troublesome areas in school across this country. Susan Rumph of Prevention Resource Center in El Dorado said this epidemic effects all races, gender and age. She put before the youth several ways to avoid the use of drugs. One was not to start. Do not allow your friends to influence you and stay away from social events that offer drugs.

Anger management and attitude. Kids of all walks of life are challenged in many situations on a daily bases involving anger control. How you handle them may determine what direction your life will take. Bro. Chester Thompson, pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church of Camden, challenged the youth in three areas: what happens when you don't control your anger?; How to control anger and attitude; and attitude, attitude. Don't let your friends or classmates push you into an anger situation. Walk away from it. It takes a stronger person to walk away than to fight.

Nutrition is one of the very basics for a good long healthy life, according to Dawn Russell of Clark County Extension Service in Arkadelphia. She discussed the food pyramid and how each food group is related to good health. Everyone should use this pyramid and other supplement handouts materials on a day to day bases. You are a keeper of good health.

Grooming, hygiene and social skills were the highlights of Maxine Green, manager of Cato in Hope, in her discussion with the youth. She discussed dressing for different occasions and male and female courtesies. The way a person dresses and takes care of his or her body determines who they are. She said it does not take a lot of money to be well groomed. It is most important to keep your body clean, clothes washed and neatly pressed. Always be polite and respectful of yourself and others.

The instructional part of the conference ended at 12:30 p.m. There was a rotating class schedule with six groups of youth and six classroom instructors/presenters. All presenters had the opportunity to visit with each group. They also had excellent handout materials and made beautiful presentations.

The final session started at 12:30 with a delicious sack lunch. While everyone was eating Pearl Bailey, seventh grade geography teacher at McRae Middle School, presided. She recognized the honor students.