Saturday, October 8, 2005

“THARPE TO HEART”
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE PACKS THE HOUSE

ACC hosted the first “THARPE TO HEART” Youth Leadership Conference at its Youth Recreation and Leadership Center in Detroit. Over 150 youth from various youth organizations in the Detroit area attended this conference, which was lead by ACC youth leaders and former Detroit Lion’s Larry Tharpe.

The day’s conference began with a quick warm-up lead by Tharpe, followed by four interactive seminars. Feature topics included the importance of physical fitness, leadership and self esteem fundamentals, diversity and sensitivity, and “Ready to Read”. The goal of this conference is to express the importance of education and setting personal goals as a path to successful life.

After the break out sessions concluded, youth participants gathered to enjoy a luncheon while listening to youth leaders share their personal wisdom and insight as a way to reach and empower youth. During lunch youth had the opportunity to meet and socialize with other participants.

Guest speakers included former Detroit Lions, Lomas Brown and Tony Semple, former football professionals Derek Martin and Lord Byran DeGraffenreid, Pontiac School System “Ready to Read” coordinator Rhonda Tharpe and Monica Jones from Highscope Education Research Institute, all expressed hope and optimism for a better future.

This Conference is the first in a series of events that the ACC will be implementing for youth in the City of Detroit. Sponsors of the event included Think Detroit, and Eastern Michigan University.

For more information please contact Monty Fakhouri, ACC Youth Programs Director at 248-559-1990.