Highlands School District and community stakeholders held its 2nd Annual Youth Summit, entitled “Hope for the Future”, on April 30, 2019 at Highlands High School. The goal of the event was to encourage students to realize, utilize and pursue the multitude of resources and educational and career opportunities available in their own community and region.
Students listened to keynote speakers and participated in breakout sessions, workshops, and a job and career fair. Workshop topics included personal banking skills, resume writing, dressing for success and interviewing, careers in the trades, military, healthcare and entrepreneurship, Alateen, and concerns with vaping and nicotine.
The first keynote speaker was Ms. Maurita Bryant, Assistant Superintendent for Allegheny County Police, who presented a program entitled "The Law and Your Community", which is endorsed by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE). And at the end of the day, students gathered to listen to remarks from Rev. Eugene Beard, who is the retired Assistant Deputy Chief of the PA Attorney General's office.
The event was coordinated by the “Hope for the Future” Committee, which includes Highlands High School principal Charlie Mort, Highlands School Board President Debbie Beale and Highlands High School counselor Marilyn Skwortz; and community stakeholders Sydney Hayden (event initiator), Rev. John P. Bailey, Robin Bergstrom, Police Chief Michael Vogel, Police Chief Michael Klein, Rev. Raphael K. Koikoi Jr., Jace Ransom, Selena Foster and Anita Minnis.
Check out this 3-minute highlight video of the Youth Summit!
Workshop presenters included:
Dress for Success: JC Penney - Timmie Brown & Debbie Spehar
Personal Banking & Money Management - Anna Frank & Mary Arturo, 1st Commonwealth Bank & Micah Larson, AXA Association
Resume Writing - HHS Counselors Marilyn Skwortz, Dr. Susan Gurrera and Mary Beth Carrarini
Careers in Trades - Pittsburgh Reg. Building Trade Council & Builders Guild of Western PA
Dangers of Vaping - Mike Luxemberger (Pittsburgh Mercy) and Tiffany Babinsack (Tobacco Free Allegheny)
Careers in Social Media / Entrepreneurship - David Hudley
Careers in Health Care - Allegheny Valley Hospital
Community businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals participating include:
JCPenney
Alle-Kiski Health Foundation
Plumbers & Electricians
Carpenters Union
Oberg Manufacturing
Boilermakers
Sheet Metal Workers
Welding/Pipe Fitting
Laborers Union
Builders Guild of Western PA
Alateen
Burger King
Arby's
Bloomfield - Garfield Corp. Jason Jackson
Frank Dermody
Deborah D. Booker Center
AIU - Head Start
Robert Morris University
Clarion University
Penn State New Kensington
Forbes Road CTC
Armed Forces Recruiters
Community College of Allegheny County
Citizens Hose Rescue & EMS
Police
Alle-Kiski Health Foundation
Siemens
Penn United Technologies
Family Resources
The Teamsters (Truck Drivers) Local 249
Allegheny Valley Hospital
Dollar Bank
Event Contributors include:
Alle-Kiski Health Foundation
First Commonwealth Bank
Sheldon Park Resident Council
Office of Children Youth & Families
Dollar Bank
American Legion Post 226, Brackenridge
