April 28, 2004
Teens danced and talked and talked to each other as music played in the background.
They enjoyed pizza and soft drinks in between prizes for gift certificates, CD players, and
lava lamps. This probably wasn’t what you would expect to see at MTAC’s first Teen
Leadership Summit, but that’s exactly what happened. Young people enjoyed their time
in between break out sessions when they could hang out, listen to live music, and talk
with their friends.
However, the Teen Summit was more than just fun for the close to 80 participants. It
also included workshops that were informative, and gave teens information that they need
at this time in their lives. One workshop was about how to fill out a job application
properly, while another focused on leadership.
One of the most popular workshops was meant to inform young people about gangs. An
officer from the Farmington Police Department spoke to teens about the myths and
realities surrounding gangs. Young people were forced to re-think their assumptions
about what kind of people join gangs, and who gets hurt by them.
Teens learned about how to set goals. They learned that keeping goals is important, and
that they can achieve great things by simply setting great goals. Teens also enjoyed a
workshop that gave them information on where they can go to hang out without getting
into trouble. Teens discovered places from around the community that encourage safe
fun, and are willing to help young people find it.
But more than just information, the Teen Summit encouraged dialogue between youth
and adults. Many adults simply listened while youth vented their frustrations and worries
about our culture. They asked questions and encouraged honest answers. However, they
didn’t just let kids gripe for hours upon end. Adults encouraged the young people to try
to find solutions to their problems. The young people were forced to think about more
than what was wrong with their lives, but also what causes the problems, and how to fix
the root cause.
The Teen Summit showed teens that it’s important to be involved in our community. It’s
important to be a leader, and it’s important to stand up for what you believe in.
Mayor’s Teen Advisory Council is proud to have sponsored the Youth Summit with Gear
Up, and we hope to do it again in the future.
We would like to thank Gear Up for their help. The Farmington Museum, Youth
Conservation Corps, Star Trek Club, and Farmington Parks and Recreation Department
also participated in the event. MTAC would also like to thank all the people who gave of
their time to speak at the Teen Leadership Summit.
If you attended the Summit and have questions or comments about what we could do
better, please let us know. Call the Teen Zone at 566-2201 or e-mail
teenzone@infoway.org.
By Kayla Atwood
The sound of music is a joy
It rids all life of sorrow
Until you see that frowning boy
Who listens and smiles tomorrow
The sound of music is undefined
It just fills your ears with sound
You must be grateful in your mind
That this splendor is so well bound
For years and years its been here
And withstood the test of time
And for those of us who keep it near
Understand this crazy rhyme
The sound of music should be a pleasure
No burden, stress or hassle
And the love for this you cannot measure
Whether a peasant or king in a castle
The sound of music is a memory
That's never been let go
And with you this will always be
Like the breeze blowing to and fro
The sound of music is a passion
To keep you through each day
This spirited splendor is never out of fashion
And understands everything you say
The end of this poem is somewhat close
And I have hopes for the days to come
'Cause music is something that matters most
And this splendor with meaning is sung