Youth Support Initiative honors girls who stayed with program

The goal of Glenn Hills Middle School's Youth Support Initiative is to help young girls grow.

"When we created this program last school year we wanted to have a forum where the girls could talk out their issues, build their character and, mainly, get support," said Bernestine McGhee, the school counselor. "It's like a small support group for the girls to turn to."

On Friday, 13 sixth-grade girls were recognized for completing the 12-week program.

The girls met twice a week to discuss topics including peer pressure, self-esteem, inner peace, self-expression, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy prevention and social skills.

"These girls come from different backgrounds and have different personalities," Ms. McGhee said. "This program enabled them to learn how to work with other girls who may be different from them, and it enabled them to grow as young ladies."

During the ceremony, the girls shared what they learned and listened to speakers talk about their life experiences and encourage them to achieve their goals.

Last year the program targeted seventh-grade girls who were recommended by their teachers, Ms. McGhee said.

"We started with that grade because seventh grade seems to be the toughest grade," she said. "The teachers recognized girls who could use extra support and guidance.

''After last year's program was a success, we decided to do it again this year, but targeting sixth-grade girls. We hope that by reaching out to them as soon as they come into middle school we can have a greater impact on them."

The program is a joint project between Glenn Hills Middle School and the CSRA Community Outreach Initiative.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.