For Teens, it's all About Making Good Choices

Helping students make good choices isn't always easy, but Beverly Owens and some friends of Clawson are certainly going to try.

With Clawson's middle school and high school scheduled for a half day Friday, Owens – who works as supervisor of Clawson's Teen Center and serves on the Clawson Community Coalition – set up the fourth annual Making Good Choices program.

The free seminar at the Teen Center inside the  features guest speakers from the community, lunch and games starting at 11 a.m. and lasting to 2:45 p.m. The teen center will remain open until 6:30 p.m. for its regular after-school hours.

Owens originated the idea four years ago because she knows how education can help students and who struggle with making good choices.

"It's nice hearing positive feedback from students, whether it be during the program or afterward, and I know they appreciate the program so I always want to be able to continue it," Owens said.

Many of the students and guest speakers in attendance are familiar with Owens through her duties as a community organizer, and she teaches a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of substance abuse. 

Making Good Choices is always the theme, and speakers come prepared with their own topics to discuss after lunch is served and before the games and movies begin at the teen center.

Guest speakers include Mayor Penny Luebs, City Councilwoman Kathy Phillips, Miss Teen Clawson pageant director Linda Gould, state Sen. John Pappageorge, registered psychiactric nurse Karen Whitefoot, representatives from the Clawson Police Department and Synagogue Baptist Church Pastor Jake Gaines Jr.

The event is free and open to everyone, but reserving a spot is encouraged due to limited space.  To reserve a spot, call Owens at 248-589-2322 or email her at bowens@cityofclawson.com.