Boys and girls get inspired at Youth Summit at First Church, in Bunnell

Inspirational guest speakers were highlights of a full day at the church.

By Anastasia Pagello
| 5:29 p.m. August 15, 2015

Damarko Evans led the rest of the boys in a step team routine.

Octavia Evans directs the girls in their talent show dance routine. Photography by Anastasia Pagello

Tatiana Johnson dancing to Perfect People by Walls Group.

Shenette Howard talks to the kids about the character of respectable women and self-control. Courtesy photo of Shani Lodge

Inspirational guest speakers Shani Lodge and Sam Sword.

Christian Johnson practices the first few moves of the step routine.

Marcae Smith, sixth grader at Imagine Schools at Town Center.

Molly Maniscalchi, Sierra Evans and Kassiddi Vanlirop get ready for the talent show.

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The First Church held its first Youth Summit to bring together the children within the community.

Four inspirational guest speakers came to the Youth Summit. Retired NFL linebacker for both the Colts and the Oakland Raiders, Sam Sword discussed bullying. He recalled experiences he had as a bullied child as well as examples of how he bullied in return. He taught the kids that being wronged does not give one the excuse to wrong others.

Nickelodeon personality and radio host Rahman Johnson told the kids how to have SWAG, which stands for Successful Warriors Achieving Greatness. He gave the children tips on how to make a story board on which to set important life goals and priorities.

TV personality Shani Lodge talked to the children about how the media portrays women in a negative way. Instead, girls should look to God as a guidance, and not allow social media to dictate who they are becoming, she said.

“The First Church Youth Summit is teaching these children valuable life skills and preparing them to conduct themselves as productive young men and women,” Lodge said.

The children were taught the concept of self-respect and self-control by Miss Florida International 2006, Shenette Howard.

Palm Coast Police Department Officers Grant and Cooper educated the children on the proper etiquette to speak to law enforcement and other authority figures.

The kids had many fun activities including a boys-versus-girls talent show. The girls preformed an 'N Sync dance routine, while the boys showed off their newly formed step team. The talent show was held for all the parents and church members to see. A Christian concert was also held by G.E.N.E, Jessica Rogers, Jeremy Wallace and the CEO of Empowered Records.