Over 200 students take part in Penquis’ Youth Summit

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - On Wednesday over 200 students made their way to Husson University for the Second Annual Youth Summit hosted by Penquis.

“So the day is filled with educational learning opportunities. The planning board came up with the theme of ‘success starts with self-care and self-respect’. And with that theme, they chose presenters to teach on topics that they think are valuable to youth today. They participate in some educational workshops. There’s a presenter. They get the opportunity to be on a college campus and really explore that. There’s some tours that they will take later and some fun afternoon activities of games,” said Mindy Kane, Division Manager of Youth Programs at Penquis.

Since January, Penquis worked with a planning board comprised of middle and high school students to bring the summit to life.

“I think it went way better than expected. I mean I had high expectations, but I was not expecting this to be as wonderful as it was,” said Lilly Burgess, a student at PCHS.

Lilly is one of those students on the planning board who raised awareness about the effects of addiction at the summit.

“Well, I think it’s really important to recognize affected others in this area. I myself am an affected other, and that is what I spend my time working a lot with. And I think it’s really important that we get kids together to understand each other’s situations. And I think this is a really beautiful time to do that,” said Burgess.

“Providing an opportunity like this for youth helps them to understand how much they matter. And how much we really value them and a day that is designed by Youth for Youth is the best way to offer anything to youth, because then it’s all about what their interests are. And really we’re hearing from them what matters rather than as adults deciding what matters for them,” said Kane.