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18th Annual Youth-Led Symposium
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Seventy-five pre-teenagers, teenagers and parents attended
the 18th annual youth-led symposium held March 14th
at the Frederick Douglass Community Association. The theme
was: “It’s all about me, healthy choices, healthy living and
healthy generations.”
Toledo public schools graduate and current Eastern Michigan
freshman, Anastasia Rubin, served as opening workshop
facilitator and focused on the importance of understanding
social media and college.
“There are study groups available in college, there isn’t an
excuse not to succeed,” Rubin explained during the question
and answer portion. “Social media does affect job offers and
college applications. It makes a difference. If you or your
friends post questionable posts or pictures, then you apply
for a job or college, understand that they will search
through your posts and pictures. It does impact their
decision. The quickest way to find out about someone is
through social media.”
The Glass City Hustlers taught attendees a healthy form of
dance, and Touch a Dream dance studio entertained the crowd.
PNC Bank offered youth savings accounts while explaining the
differences between credit and debit cards, reasons for
installment payments, and how decisions impact
homeownership.
University of Toledo’s Police K-9 unit and Toledo Police
Department Officer Floella Wormely spoke with youth about
police officers and distracted driving. Officer Wormely
later joined the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers presentation that
focused on interacting with police and encouraging
conversations.
“We don’t know what’s in your car, so be cooperative. Your
goal is to avoid a ticket, and our goal is to make sure
you’re safe,” shared Officer Wormely immediately following
an interactive role-play activity which involved youth
portraying police officers, drivers and auto passengers.
Toledo Public Schools Coach Mike Robinson and former Coach
Ben Williams engaged youth about the importance of physical
activity early in life. “In 2014, one in four youth were
obese in Lucas County. A lot of people aren’t exercising
regularly, and that should change,” shared Coach Mike.
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