STTJ District Girls Get Inspired at 'For Girls Only' Conference 2016

Junior high girls converge in the Addelita Cancryn Jr. High School auditorium for inspirational messages at 'For Girls Only' on April 5, 2016.

 

While junior and senior high school boys attending public, private and parochial schools across the St. Thomas-St. John District enjoyed inspirational messages from guest speakers as part of the annual Man Up conference, junior and senior high school girls in the district also enjoyed two days of inspiration and motivation at the “For Girls Only” conference, held April 5 and 6 at the Addelita Cancryn Jr. High and Ivanna Eudora Kean High schools, respectively.

The theme of this year’s conference was “We Know Who We Are: Designers’ Original” and featured a number of activities centered on empowering young women to succeed. On both days, a main session was held that included dance and musical performances, runway and makeup demonstrations, as well as spirited cheers and affirmations.

The highlight of the conference came with keynote speaker Virgin Islands Assistant Attorney General Su-Layne Walker candidly sharing about her uphill journey to success that spanned 10 years. From failing the bar exam twice, to long stretches of unemployment, to working at various retail outlets after having earned an expensive law degree from the prominent George Washington University, Ms. Walker sought to infuse the teens with a spirit of stick-to-itiveness.

“Your path will not always be direct, but develop a vision for yourself and then set goals to achieve that vision,” she told students. “Live a life that you can be proud of. Envision a life that is uniquely yours.”

In addition to the main session, students enjoyed small group sessions facilitated by local women in government, business, education, media and other fields. Facilitators shared insight on achieving one’s goals, grooming, setting standards, dating, using social media responsibly and other topics of interest.

At the Eudora Kean event, Racquel Berry-Benjamin, deputy superintendent, offered inspiring words to the teens.

“We are different, but we are all on this planet to serve each other,” she said, explaining that everyone has a unique talent or ability that can be used to enhance the lives of others. With that, Berry-Benjamin encouraged the students to find out what they’re passionate about and pursue it. “When you do what you love to do, you are fulfilling your purpose,” she said.

April Petrus, Deesha Powell and Crancryn Principal Lisa Forde were the lead organizers for 'For Girls Only'.

Students perform dance selection at Addelita Cancryn Jr. High during "For Girls Only" conference on April 5, 2016.  High school girls enjoy sessions at "For Girls Only" held at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on April 6, 2016.  Deputy Superintendent Racquel Berry-Benjamin speak to high school girs at "For Girls Only" on April 6, 2016  V.I. Assistant Attny. General Syu-Layne Walker shares her journey with high school students at "For Girls Only" on April 6, 2016  Jr. high girls get ready to perform at "For Girls Only" on April 5, 2016  Students hit the runway during a demonstration about self confidence at "For Girls Only" on April 6, 2016