Over 1,300 students from across Wellington County will be in attendance at a new event sponsored by the Drayton Heights Public School student council.
The event, entitled Empowerment Day, will take place on April 15 at the PMD arena. Keynote speaker Spencer West and local musician Sarah Smith, of Arthur, will headline the day.
West is a highly-sought-after motivational speaker. As a double amputee, West climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa on his hands. Millions of dollars have been raised for clean drinking water and education in Third World countries through his efforts with Free the Children.
Smith will share her inspiring story about never giving up on one’s dreams. She will also rock the house with her musical talents. Smith has performed in over 300 shows and has toured Europe.
Students council members have been working behind the scenes for months. Members of council suggested getting West to speak at their event after hearing him speak at other fundraising events.
Student council member Alexis Kuper said, “I was awestruck when we got the email that he was coming. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening.”
Kuper and Tate Driscoll will be masters of ceremonies for the day. Jana Bieman will supervise the Spirit Squad and Abigail Wiens heads the meet- and-greet committee. Other members of the student council will fill various roles during the day.
“West is an inspiration to all of us. He has no boundaries and just goes out and does things. The Free the Children organization motivates us to take on projects like this,” Driscoll said.
The public is welcome to attend the event, but seating is limited. Admission is a donation to the food bank. All donations will be shared in communities from Kenilworth to Erin.
The Empowerment Day event runs from 9:30 to 11am.
