Clark State College in partnership with Clark County Partners in Prevention will host a one-day Champion City Youth Rally for 7th through 11th graders on Thursday, August 11.
Youth will be empowered through peer-led sessions to find their voice and create a better community for all.
The event is being held throughout the Clark State campus. Students will receive a free t-shirt, string backpack, and water bottle. There will be additional prizes and giveaways at each activity.
Shawnee High School sophomore Narissa Owen will lead a session at the Rally. She was inspired to create and participate in the Youth Rally after attending Youth to Youth camp in Columbus.
“I want to create a positive and fun environment for kids and teens in Clark County,” she said. “I want these teens to bring back everything that they learn from this camp and educate other people as well.”
Owen said her goal is to spread the message that self-care is needed not only now but for your future, both mentally and physically.
“Self-care and mental health need to become more recognized in the community,” she said. “No more judging or criticizing other’s choices - but understanding and uplifting a person.
I am looking forward to giving teens a safe outlet to just be themselves and have a good time.”
The Youth Rally will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 11. Lunch and dinner will be provided. There is no cost to attend; the event is sponsored by Clark State, Clark County Partners in Prevention, and the Drug Free Community Grant.
“We are excited to partner with Clark County Partners in Prevention to host the rally on campus,” said Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs for Clark State. “We will have staff on hand to help greet the youth and guide them from one activity to the next. We will have dedicated time to engage with the youth in a planned activity.”
Wiley said Clark State will also have materials available for the youth promoting the many educational opportunities available.
The Youth Rally drop off location for check-in and pick-up will be in the parking lot (Lot J) beside the LRC on the Leffel Lane Campus, 570 East Leffel Lane. The registration deadline is August 1 and is limited to the first 100 students.
Online registration for the Youth Rally is now open at: https://bit.ly/ChampionCityYouthRally23