Nationally known professional youth speaker Gabe Salazar will present a message which challenges teenagers and encourages them to make positive choices in their lives at 6 p.m. Sunday in the Ardmore Convention Center.
Salazar’s ”Rated S” presentation is the highlight of the Third Annual Back To School Bash, sponsored by the Pregnancy Resource Center’s Agape Project. The event is free and open to the public.
“This is our third Back To School Bash. We love to host these events for both parents and teens in the eight counties we serve. T-shirts, drinks and snacks will be provided for all attendees along with some great info about how to succeed as a teen in a pressure-filled culture,” said program coordinator Karen Tadych.
According to program director Cara Richter, past events have drawn 600-800 teens and adults. She said Agape Project staff hope even more teens and adults will attend this year’s Back To School Bash.
“Rated S” discusses relationships, consequences of teen sexual activity, and the benefits of waiting. Salazar’s message inspires and motivates his audience to action through the use of powerful skits, dynamic insights and real-life illustrations. Salazar’s goal is to share the struggles he encountered as a teen in search of himself, assuring others their feelings are normal and the answers are within.
On his Web site Salazar says, “If you believe in yourself, you can look in the mirror and say you know, there’s no excuse. Great things can happen when you make good decisions, you go after your goals and your future. And you surround yourself with people that are doing what you want to be doing in life.”
During his presentation Salazar also speaks to parents and adults who work with youth to help them better understand what their teen is going through in life.
Salazar lives in San Antonio, Texas with his wife, Nancy and four children. The couple operates The U Turn Youth Center, located on the San Antonio’s South Side. Salazar also travels throughout the nation motivating students to raise their standards and live their lives with no regrets.
In addition to Sunday’s event, Salazar will present his program Monday at Tishomingo, Marietta and Madill High School assemblies.
Information about Sunday night’s event including optional registration is available online at www.AgapeProjectArdmore.org or by calling (580) 226-2422.
