NWSCC hosts first teen explosion

By Staff
Rebecca James, FCT Writer
PHIL CAMPBELL – Yesterday, Northwest Shoals Community College, Franklin County Community Education, and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce hosted an event to give Franklin County 8th graders, as well as their parents, information about the diploma they will chose as they enter high school.
The first annual Teen Explosion was held on the campus of Northwest Shoals Community College in Phil Campbell on Tuesday.
The event, which began at 9 a.m. at lasted until 2 p.m. gave students from Tharptown, East Franklin, Vina, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, and Belgreen the opportunity to visit several booths set up by local businesses, educational, and charitable groups.
These booths were set up in an effort to provide students with information about different careers to help make their decision about the type of diploma they will pursue a little easier.
"This type of event is well-overdue," said Sue Entrekin, Franklin County Education staff member. "Their next four years will be so important for what they want to do in life."
Guest speaker and former University of North Alabama quarterback Cody Gross spoke to the students about the importance of setting goals and making good choices.
"What you will become will be a direct result of the choices you make," said Gross. "You have to take responsibility for your actions. The choices that you make will effect you for the rest of your lives."
The event concluded with an evening session at 6 p.m.which parents were asked to attend so they could be better educated about the choices their children were going to have to make.
"I hope this event taught the kids about the many opportunities that are available to them, and hopefully this day helped them make their decision about the diploma choice they will have to make as they enter high school," said Lisa Stockton, Executive Director for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.