Thursday, September 12

SU Ag Center’s Back-to-School Summit Highly Inspirational

Students arrive at Coliseum

Dr. Burke welcomes students
Students gathering health information

Dr. Truth addresses audience

Baton Rouge, LA – Today in Lafayette, the Southern University Ag Center welcomed students, faculty and staff from schools in Avoyelles, Evangeline, Lafayette, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermillion Parishes to its 13th Back-to-School Summit for 8th graders at the Blackham Coliseum.  The theme for this year’s event was “Reach for the Star in You!” Danna Andrus "Dr. Truth" served as Keynote speaker; other speakers included Kwame I. Asanté, Attorney and Mentor; Byron Starks, Coach and Mentor; and Den Hussey, Motivational Speaker served as MC. Highlights included a surprise visit by Mini and Mickey Mouse, and zydeco performance by Leon Chavis, recording artist. Also prominent at the event were welcoming greetings by Senator Elbert Guillory, LA State District 24; and Chancellor Leodrey Williams of the SU Ag Center. 

Michael D. Jackson, retired NFL (Baltimore Ravens) Wide Receiver, stated in his presentation that “wisdom is the application of acquired knowledge.” He further emphasized to the students, the importance of listening to teachers and applying the information to set goals, aim high and reach for the stars.

Almost three thousand student attendees received informational brochures along with school supplies from various agencies while learning from motivational speakers and video presentations.  Topics of discussion included a wide range of healthy living tips, from sexual conduct to drug abuse. The goal of the program is to give young people health alternative choices in life. The program targets eighth-graders because they are on the edge of becoming teenagers. Also in attendance were participating agencies and programs from around surrounding parishes that turned out to show their support.

This annual summit is organized by the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, the satellite arm of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, under the leadership of Dr. Wanda Burke.  Its mission is to improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of citizens in rural communities within a ten-parish region of Southwest Louisiana. The Center, located in Opelousas, performs functions consistent with the SU Ag Center’s mission of conducting basic and applied research and disseminating information to the citizens of Louisiana.

For further details, please contact Wanda Burke at 225-771-5184 or (337) 943-2410; via email at wanda_burke@suagcenter.com

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Contact:        
Bridget Udoh
(225) 771-5714

bridget_udoh@suagcenter.com

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