ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Andrews Youth Center's Keystone Club, a teen program through the Boys and Girls Club of America, attended the 42nd Annual Keystone Club National Conference in Atlanta, Ga. recently.
This year's theme was, "Be the Difference," and focused on three areas including "Be Great, Be Successful," and "Be Active."
Jovarion Royston, Andrews Keystone Club secretary and son of Tech. Sgt. Joe Royston, 1st Helicopter Squadron, and Tonya Jackson, had an opportunity to meet with national leaders when he sat on a panel with Ambassador Young in a town hall meeting on high school dropout rates.
"I said that I think a lot of high school dropouts don't have enough support at home and no one to believe in them, so, they don't believe in themselves," said Jovarion. "But, I believe in myself, my mom believes in me, and Miss Matrice believes in me. I have support."
The Keystone Club is geared toward teens ages 14 to 18. "The Keystone Club's purpose is to create and maintain high standards of character, citizenship, health and education in order for teens to grow to become responsible, productive adults," said Matrice Adger, Youth Center teen director. The national conferences give teens the chance to interact with national and world leaders.
In the "Be Great" session, teens had a variety of activities to attend, including poetry, a talent show, reporter training, arts and crafts, and basketball and volleyball tournaments.
In the "Be Successful" session, teens had an opportunity to hear from the general session's emcees, Robbie Bach, Microsoft Corporation entertainment and devices division president, and television's Judge Glenda Hatchett. Students also learned about college and career experiences, mastering academic success, how to research future careers, and other life enrichment topics such as sessions in leadership, fund raising and various community service projects.
The third session, "Be Active," was hosted by "Saved by the Bell" and "Dancing with the Stars" alum, Mario Lopez. In the active sessions, teens focused on community awareness and fitness, including health issues, drug and alcohol prevention, salsa, ballroom, and hip hop dance classes.
Ms. Adger said that as a result of being a Keystone Club member teens may develop and exercise ethical leadership skills and foster good will, understanding and respect between groups and individuals. They also learn skills and information for living a responsible, fulfilled life, understand and participate in the free enterprise system, enjoy fellowship and develop self-confidence through fun activities. Every member has a voice and cooperates with other groups, learning to network and develop project planning skills while exploring communities outside their own. They also gain a sense of hope and opportunity as they develop the tools, resources and support needed to meet the challenges of the future.
Jovarion learned various life lessons at the conference.
"I learned that you can always be great and achieve your dreams and don't let anyone tell you that you can't," said Jovarion, who dreams of being a professional baseball player.
"Through this conference, I had an opportunity to meet the Rev. Jesse Jackson and I also met Judge Hatchett - where could I have done that? I want to be a leader someday and the Keystone Club helps me keep my grades up. I have dreams, you know?" Jovarion said.
Ms. Jackson agrees in the benefits of the Keystone Club. "I've seen Jovarion grow and develop since joining the Keystone Club. It's teaching him leadership. He's around other kids who want to better the community. I've seen changes in him since he got back from the conference - he's really excited. The Keystone Club gives our kids tremendous opportunities," Ms. Jackson said.
The national conference was attended by over 1,700 teens and advisors from around the world, as well as several prominent political and business leaders, including Former United Nations ambassador Andrew Young.
For more information on the Keystone Club, contact Ms. Adger at 301-981-8336.