Encouraging Girls to Become Strong Women
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 December 2008 17:44 Tuesday, 07 October 2008 19:25
Over 500 Girls Attend Seminar at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology
Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology was the site of the second empowerment seminar for high school girls, hosted by Communities In Schools of Jacksonville. The event took place October 2nd and 3rd with over 500 girls in attendance.
The girls, in grades 9-12, participated in break-out sessions with volunteer facilitators from the community providing insight on self-esteem and body image, the media’s effect on women’s perceptions of beauty, healthy relationships, making good choices, setting goals, and having self-respect.
“The seminar was designed to allow girls to talk about these issues in an open and honest way,” said Student Advocate MaryAnn Foster. “They even took part in afternoon tea where the senior girls received teacups. Afternoon tea was a time when women gathered together to get to know one another and to share about their lives. The teacups symbolized that each girl is beautiful and deserving of care and high esteem.”
Assistant Principal and Dean of Girls, Carla Jackson said, “We wanted to let the girls know that they are beautiful—inside and out—and they are precious and treasured, and they have a lot to offer.” She goes on to say, “Girls don’t often hear positive things about themselves without having to give anything in return. We wanted to provide a venue for
When asked what the seminar meant to her, a twelfth grade student, Britni, responded, “They singled out all the girls and let us know, ‘You are beautiful.’ Then when we were talking in the break-out sessions we felt like what we had to say was important, and we don’t get that a lot.”