On Thursday, assemblies of middle school and high school students at Bogalusa High School had the opportunity to hear words of wisdom from Dr. Fairest Hill, a national motivational speaker and author.

The theme of Hill’s talk was, “Keeping Our Schools and Community Safe.” There were workshops for youth on anti-bullying, academic achievement and drug/gang prevention, among other subjects.

On Thursday night, Hill returned for another talk, this time speaking to not only youth but also parents, grandparents, aunts and other supportive citizens of the Bogalusa community.

“There was great interest to continue future endeavors in the growth of our future, which is our youth,” said Gloria Kates, a member of Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, one of the organizers of the event. “Each 30-minute session was power packed and each student absorbed these very positive pearls of wisdom.”

Kates thanked BHS principal Tonyah Jefferson for orchestrating the workshops, and also expressed her thanks to the “Realist team” of Gretchen Brown, Hannah Bullock, Regina Greely, Chad Harry, Dora Jones, Thomas Kates, Greg Levius, Deloris Walker, and the GEBC family.

Hill also spoke to the students of Northside School on Friday morning, presenting a full-hour workshop on “Bouncing Back.”

Kates thanked Northside principal Teresa King and Bob Neilson for their support.