Approximately 40 local youngsters participated in the 2014 Youth Enrichment Program of Attalla.
Sponsored by State Rep. Craig Ford, the program’s first field trip was a trip to the state capitol in Montgomery, where the youths met Gov. Robert Bentley. The group also visited the Rosa Parks Museum.
As a reward for staying involved with the program, in July youths 12 years and older spent three days in Orange Beach. It was the group’s first overnight trip, with some youths never having been to the beach.
“What a time our youth had!” said the program director and co-founder Rev. Preston Nix. “I’ve been doing this with the help of the Good Lord for 17 years.”
The youths enjoyed a banquet on Saturday, Aug. 9, that was attended by a crowd of almost 80 people.
The banquet’s theme was, “Investing in Our Youth.” Keynote speaker and retired Gadsden educator Sandra S. Graham encouraged parents, church members and community leaders to invest in their youth.
For finishing out the year with the program, every youth received a camp ribbon, a trophy and a certificate. The youth also gave a singing performance under the direction of Devon Williams.
One of the program’s participants, Trammell, wrote a letter that was read during the event that thanked all of the program’s sponsors.
Special thanks were extended to Ford, City of Attalla Mayor Larry Means and Etowah County Commission member Carolyn Parker. Nix also extended thanks to his staff for doing a wonderful job.
Starting next week, the Youth Enrichment Program will offer tutoring services on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 – 5 p.m. Anyone wishing to tutor may contact Preston Nix at 256-305-9730 or 256-538-2055 or Eva Thompson at 256-538-0983.
The program’s next field trip will be in November to Tuskegee College. On Sept. 6, the younger youth will visit the Factory and the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts.