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Ozark education summit promotes higher education

Pastor Stephen C. Hudson, of Greater Sardis Missionary Baptist Church, speaks to members of the community in Ozark Saturday morning.

By Ebony Horton
Published: March 13, 2010

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OZARK - Twelve-year-old Devon McCleod has wanted to be an astronaut ever since last year after learning about Neil Armstrong. On Saturday, community and state leaders taught students like Devon that such career goals could be more than just dreams.
Elementary to college-age students attended an education summit at Lively Stones Ministry Worship Center in Ozark on Saturday.
Ozark City Schools Superintendent Mike Lenhart and T. Danielle Russell, author of “Sanctified and Still Standing,” were among several speakers from the U.S. military and surrounding colleges.
The summit ends today with a gospel musical at 3 p.m.
Devon said the speakers on Saturday taught him some basics for achieving his goal.
“I have to always do my homework,” he said.
Lively Stones Education Director George Evans said he organized the two-day summit to promote higher education.
He praised students at the forum like 18-year-old Genea Mitchell who were part of the National Honor Society or who made A’s and B’s in school.
“I wanted to broaden the knowledge of our young people into what’s going on. From student aid or the military or even for parents who want more information, this summit helps to better enhance their ability and knowledge of what’s out there,” Evans said.
Russell said sharing about her experiences is what she believed encouraged many of the students.
“You have to be open and honest and let them know you were just like them, but that you can put God first and keep your dream, with work,” she said.
“Don’t let anyone ever steal your dream and always seek guidance, strength and wisdom.”
Twenty-one-year-old Xavier Evans, who is studying computer graphics, said information about financial aid and other opportunities was beneficial.
Nine-year-old Frankie Kayla Smith said putting God first was the best lesson she had at the church.
“God first then education,” she said.
“And love.”