South Cobb Boys Attend Inaugural Young Men's Conference

More than 100 middle and high school boys representing South Cobb Area One schools spent a day together on  Oct. 29 at South Cobb High School. This past summer, the principals of South Cobb High School, Pebblebrook High School, Lindley Middle, Lindley 6th Grade Academy, Garrett Middle and Floyd Middle planned the inaugural Young Men’s Conference and hope to continue this annual event. The purpose of the conference was to inspire, motivate and empower the young men toward excellence, in school and in life.

Students spent the morning in workshop sessions focused on career choices, communication, finance, military service, understanding the law, and motivation for academic and behavioral wellness. Guest speakers included Rashid Brown, Mike Howard, Eric Ludgood, Bill Cheek, Al Walton, Ryan Jones, Andrew Guerrier, and Nathan Wade. During the afternoon formal dining lunch session, Eric Cherry taught an etiquette session to the young men throughout the full course meal. After lunch, students were able to ask questions of a professional men’s panel to learn about personal sources of motivation and responsible decision-making practices.

Parents joined their students for the afternoon session, which consisted of a powerful message by Alex Ellis on improving the male image. The culminating activity involved the parents of the young men in a special and symbolic, “Tied to Greatness” ceremony where each parent/guardian taught the young men to tie a neck tie and encouraged the young men toward greatness.

Also attending the conference throughout the day and afternoon activities included Representative David Wilkerson, Area 1 Assistant Superintendent Robert Benson, Mableton/Smyrna School Board Member Tim Stultz and Area One principals and staff.

-Courtesy of Floyd Middle School