BSC Official Participates in Panel Discussion
During 3rd Regional Conference
on Helping America’s Youth

(Bluefield)—Sarita A. Rhonemus, Director of Outreach Programs at Bluefield State College, participated as an invited panelist during the Third Regional Conference On Helping America’s Youth, in Nashville, TN. First Lady Laura Bush delivered the keynote address at the Tennessee State University-based conference.

Rhonemus, also Coordinator/Consultant for the Appalachian Regional Education Network (an initiative of the Appalachian Regional Commission), noted, “I was honored and humbled to be included to receive this special invitation. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity afforded me to share the success of our program, the West Virginia Access Center for Higher Education, which replicates the first college access model founded by the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education.”

“We have proven that the barriers to postsecondary education in Appalachia can be broken because of caring, compassionate educators in our schools,” she added.

The Helping America's Youth initiative is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the challenges facing our youth, particularly at-risk boys, and to motivate caring adults to connect with youth in three key areas: family, school and community. The two-day Nashville conference featured training on the on-line Community Guide to Helping America's Youth, and expert panelist presentations on the current status of youth and successful methods for helping make a difference in the lives of America's youth.

"To make sure every child is surrounded by positive influences, even more adults must dedicate themselves to Helping America's Youth," said Mrs. Bush. "Adults need to care - to be aware of the challenges facing children, and take an active interest in their lives. Adults, and especially parents, should be reminded that they can teach kids healthy behavior by their own good example."

April 19, 2007