Youth are often depicted and criticized for negative concepts that may occur within the community. One bad apple shouldn’t spoil the bunch. Every child deserves to be praised on his or her accomplishments. So here, is your chance to be recognized on your accomplishments, talents, or community service or you can acknowledge youth of Forsyth County that have gone the extra mile to reach a successful future. The youth today are our future leaders of tomorrow. Let’s give credit, where credit is due! In Forsyth County (North Carolina) there isn't a lot of positive reinforcement for children and youth. There is a lot of gang violence and criminal acts taken place by the youth in this area. A lot of children are misinformed about opportunities to attend college or on how to further their education. With an annual gala, youth who are involved in community service projects can be recognized and rewarded. Also, this will give high school seniors a chance to win scholarship money towards their education. Furthermore, this community is known for performing arts. Their are several schools in this area that focus on performing arts. Many citizens of Forsyth County are unaware of the talents that youth in the community portray and the potential and skill level of their talents. An annual gala would be a great way to show appreciation and support to these youth heavily informed in performing arts. I want to solve the problem of "bad-mouthing" and criticizing youth. I want youth to have something positive to look forward to. I want the youth to know that there are rewards for their accomplishments.

I want to create an annual ball/gala that focuses on the positive concepts that youth do within the Forsyth County community or surrounding areas. Recognition can be given from ages 10-18. Whether it is a talent, good grades, community service, leadership skills, or anything that can be given praise---children can be nominated to be recognized at the ball/gala. High school seniors from Forsyth County Schools have a chance to earn scholarship money to attend college. They must submit a 2 page essay describing why community service is important to them and how they plan on incorporating community service while attending college. They must also provide an official copy of their transcript showing a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Winners will be announced the night of the gala and must be present to win. The top essays from each high school in Forsyth County will be selected as winners. The money raised for the ball will be split among the students (13 students, one from each high school). During the ball/gala performances will be made by youth (singing, dancing, MC’s, poetry, instruments, spoken word, speeches, etc.). Recognition will be broken down into categories. If a child wants to perform a talent they can submit a VHS or DVD no longer than 3 minutes showcasing their talent. There will be honorable mentions. Decisions on who can perform at the ball/gala will be made on skills and the variety of talents submitted. A guest speaker who specializes in youth development, community service, or motivation could be the headliner. ESSAY REQUIREMENTS Topic: Describe why community service is important to you and how you plan on incorporating community service while attending college Guidelines: Must be 2 pages typed, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 Font. On the back of each sheet please write in red ink your last name. Cover Sheet: Put your First & Last Name, High School you attend, College you plan on attending, and desired major. Transcript: Must provide an official copy of your transcript showing a minimum GPA of 2.5 One student from each high school will be selected. Must be a high school senior attending college for Fall 2009 to enter. Must attend ball/gala (Must be present to win). TALENT REQUIREMENTS Categories: Public Speaking, Poetry/Spoken Word, Dance, Instrument Playing, Acting, Modeling, Singing, and Comedy. (If your talent does not fall under these categories please contact us and we will work with you). Submit VHS or DVD no longer than 3 minutes showing your talent from one of the listed categories. Provide cover sheet of your first and last name, category of talent, what you will be doing, age, phone number, email address (if available), and home address. Must be between the ages of 10-18 to enter. Up to 4 individuals will be selected to perform from each category. Individuals selected will be notified prior to gala/ball. Community Involvement Recognition Requirements Community involvement can range from being active or volunteering at church, school, non-profit organizations, charities, local neighborhoods, or businesses. A letter must be submitted from an official at the organization/facility on official letterhead describing your involvement or volunteer work and how you impacted them along with a photo of you working/volunteering on site. The photo will be used during a slide show presentation. 10 Awards will be given to youth based on the judgment of the letters on concepts of leadership skills, commitment, dedication, reliability, punctuality, and the impact on the organization. Awards could be gift certificates to Hanes mall, local restaurants, complimentary tickets to theme parks or concerts, etc. Other submissions not selected will all be honorable mentions. Must be between the ages of 10-18 to enter.

OUTREACH/MARKETING I can send information out to all Forsyth County Schools, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Recreation Departments, churches, businesses, organizations, charities, and so forth. It can be promoted in the Joel Coliseum monthly newsletter and various media outlets (newspaper, radio, internet, etc.)in Forsyth and surrounding counties. I could also research organizations that provide grants or scholarships for youth development. With my career, I am in contact with several non-profit organizations and charities that involve youth. I will be sure to involve them in my annual gala.

Others can help by spreading this wonderful information. Donations can be made to the event. If anyone, would like to volunteer their service at the gala, I would be more than happy. Also, I need a motivational speaker as a headliner.