First Lady visits campus
Cara Anthony
News Editor
Issue date: 4/12/07 Section: Campus News
- Page 1 of 1
First Lady Laura Bush made a stop on campus as part of the Helping America's Youth Regional Conference hosted by TSU on April 11-12.
In 2005, during the presidential State of the Union address, George W. Bush announced a White House initiative to engage adults in helping youth. With an emphasis on helping young boys, the program helps young people stay on the right track, set high goals and develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve.
TSU President Melvin N. Johnson said the university presented itself as a very attractive place for the third regional conference to be held because of its involvement in youth activities and focus on service learning.
"To have the First Lady here is not only exciting for the campus, but the entire state of Tennessee," Johnson said while adding 11 different states were represented at the conference.
For the past two years Bush, a former teacher, serves as the leader of an initiative titled Helping America Youth.
Bush believes that the challenges that youth face are far different than those face by youth a generation ago.
"Drugs and gangs, predators on the Internet, violence on television and in real life are just are some of the negative influences present every where," First Lady Bush said.
During her address, First Lady Bush reference several programs that follow the White House initiative for Helping Americas Youth. Organizations, such as the Appalachian Higher Education Network and Café Reconcile and Operation, are all programs that aid in the Bushes' effort.
"Adults, especially parents, should be reminded that they teach their children healthy behavior by their own good example," Bush said as she noted that she has seen how adults can make a difference in the lives of young people.
"Tennessee State University is so proud to be a part of this initiative," Johnson said.
He also said the conference is coupled with the university's mission for Helping America's Youth through programs like service learning.
Asha King, a sophomore elementary education major from Clarksville Tenn. and member of the 4-H club, took an active role in the conference by serving as hostess.
"It's a conference to empower youth and strength to their leadership," King said.
In 2005, during the presidential State of the Union address, George W. Bush announced a White House initiative to engage adults in helping youth. With an emphasis on helping young boys, the program helps young people stay on the right track, set high goals and develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve.
TSU President Melvin N. Johnson said the university presented itself as a very attractive place for the third regional conference to be held because of its involvement in youth activities and focus on service learning.
"To have the First Lady here is not only exciting for the campus, but the entire state of Tennessee," Johnson said while adding 11 different states were represented at the conference.
For the past two years Bush, a former teacher, serves as the leader of an initiative titled Helping America Youth.
Bush believes that the challenges that youth face are far different than those face by youth a generation ago.
"Drugs and gangs, predators on the Internet, violence on television and in real life are just are some of the negative influences present every where," First Lady Bush said.
During her address, First Lady Bush reference several programs that follow the White House initiative for Helping Americas Youth. Organizations, such as the Appalachian Higher Education Network and Café Reconcile and Operation, are all programs that aid in the Bushes' effort.
"Adults, especially parents, should be reminded that they teach their children healthy behavior by their own good example," Bush said as she noted that she has seen how adults can make a difference in the lives of young people.
"Tennessee State University is so proud to be a part of this initiative," Johnson said.
He also said the conference is coupled with the university's mission for Helping America's Youth through programs like service learning.
Asha King, a sophomore elementary education major from Clarksville Tenn. and member of the 4-H club, took an active role in the conference by serving as hostess.
"It's a conference to empower youth and strength to their leadership," King said.
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