TENTH PRIDE CONFERENCE OPENS THIS WEEK

More than 100 middle school students will celebrate being drug free
this week.

The tenth annual PRIDE Conference kicks off tomorrow and will see
students participate in workshops, outdoor games and other activities
which promote a drug-free lifestyle.

This year Bermudian Rev. Jahkimmo Smith will speak to the
students.

Rev. Smith attended Northlands Secondary School before getting a
Bachelor in Arts from the Allen University in Columbia, South
Carolina. In 2004 he obtained a Masters of Divinity degree in
Biblical Studies with honours from the Interdenominational
Theological Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

He is now a pastor at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Waynesboro,
Pennsylvania.

The annual PRIDE Conference is run by high school students, who are
assisted by adults. This year it will be held at Berkeley Institute
and begin at 9.30 a.m. The two-day event costs $45, which includes
meals, snacks and a free T-shirt.

There will also be a Parent Talk this evening at the PRIDE office
from 6-7.30 p.m.