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Annual Girls Summit draws nearly 400 high schoolers

Students focus on mind, body and soul wellness
November 15, 2018

Cape High sophomores Amaya Smith and Shaleya Simms said they enjoyed last year’s Girls Summit so much, they jumped at the chance to attend again this year.

“You learn and notice a lot more about yourself,” Smith said.

“I just really enjoy it,” Simms said. “The whole vibe is all positive.”

About 400 high school girls attended Sussex County Girls Summit Nov. 1 in Georgetown. Sponsored by Pathways to Success, the event offered breakout sessions focusing on mind, body and soul wellness.

Wellness practitioner Kim Blanch taught girls how to manage their emotions through breathing.

“We came into this world as nose-breathers,” she said. “When we’re stressed, we breathe through our mouths, and it’s more shallow. By controlling your breathing you can control your emotions.”

Blanch led the audience through breathing exercises to give them energy and reduce anxiety.

Vendors gave interviewing tips, and a panel comprising motivational speakers, lifestyle coaches and community leaders offered advice and encouragement.

Panelist Jacques Bowes, Sussex Tech Pathways to Success program administrator, told students about a difficult time he faced.

“I put my hope in God and depend on him wholeheartedly,” Bowes said. “I put my faith in him and knew things would be OK. So, put your faith in something stable that will never change.”

Students from Cape Henlopen, Sussex Tech, Seaford and Milford high schools attended the day-long summit.

Pathways to Success provides in-school and after-school mentoring to at-risk youth and community outreach to families. Call 302-381-6414 or go to pathways-2-success.org.

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