Mission Statement: To create a coalition with schools to inform and prevent substance and alcohol use and violence within our communities.

Karen Slay was the SUMMIT Treasurer for 18 years. It was under her guidance that SUMMIT moved from a student project to an incorporated non-profit organization. She has a true passion for education, serving for many years on the Lubbock ISD School Board and then in multiple offices, including President of Texas PTA. Karen became an advocate for child safety after nine children were killed in a care wreck in 1994 while riding in the bed of a pickup. She spent the next six years lobbying the Texas Legislature to pass a bill prohibiting minors from riding in the beds of pickups. The law was passed in 1999. However, Karen's proudest accomplishment was being mother to four sons, who have all become successful in their professional careers.

Karen passed away in February 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. The Karen Slay SUMMIT Scholarship will allow her legacy and dedication to education to continue while supporting SUMMIT participants in reaching their goals.

Shirts are available for a cost of $20.00 each.

Schools will be required to pay for shirts separate from Youth Summit Registration. A google form to pre-order shirts will be sent in an email with the newsletter.

If pre-ordering shirts please bring a check payable to Youth Summit, Inc.
Pre-order deadline: December 20, 2019

Shirts will be available for purchase the day of the SUMMIT. They will accept cash, check or credit card.

ALL proceeds from t-shirt sales will go to a the Karen Slay SUMMIT scholarship to benefit SUMMIT participants.

Kyle Pierce graduated from Lamesa High School in 2003. While a student there, he and his peers recognized the problems facing their school and community regarding drugs, alcohol, and violence. Kyle and his peers decided to make those issues the focus of their efforts for the 2000-2001 year. This idea is now known as Youth SUMMIT, Inc.

Kyle will be returning for the 20th Anniversary SUMMIT as our morning keynote speaker. Kyle’s high energy, musical talents, and overall awesomeness will be on display as he shares about his SUMMIT experiences and how he has used the skills and knowledge from his high school days in his career, with his family, and while serving his community. He’s excited to return and see how his part in creating SUMMIT has grown into what it is today.

Ricky Mitchell’s life changed forever on March 31, 1991. After celebrating Easter with family, Ricky’s brother, Rusty, and his family were hit by a repeat offending drunk driver on their way home outside of Sterling City, Texas. Rusty was killed on impact in this accident. Ricky became an advocate that day for drunk driving victims. As a band director, school administrator, and church choir director, he has shared Rusty and Aaron’s story with hundreds of people, including those who attended the very first Youth SUMMIT in 2001. Ricky will share more details of that devastating time along with the events that followed that he and his family view as miracles. Ricky can’t believe SUMMIT is turning 20 and can’t wait to return for the anniversary.

Vanessa Silvas didn’t have an easy life growing up. This fact is probably what makes her such an amazing teacher; she has an empathy that many other educators simply don’t have because they haven’t lived the life of many of their students. This empathy is part of why Vanessa was recognized as the 2019 AVID Teacher of the Year.

Vanessa, another charter SUMMIT team member, will be returning as our afternoon keynote speaker. After working in the private sector for years, she changed her professional path and became a teacher. She now helps her own students escape through education. Vanessa looks forward to sharing the lessons she’s learned twenty years after helping to organize the very first SUMMIT.

In today's society, danger lurks in every corner and safety is in question. From a simple walk to a car or a shopping trip, knowing how to defend yourself is essential. In this session, a trained professional will teach you defense techniques and awareness methods. This session will be presented by Shallowater High School.

Human trafficking: It is a problem that takes place right under our noses, however, it hides in broad daylight, and yet relies on us to end it. Learn what to look for and where you might be most vulnerable. This session will be presented by Stanton High School.

Why you should think twice about what you post. This session, presented by Lubbock-Cooper High School will provide information on how to have a good representation on all social media outlets. The session will also focus on why it is important for your future.

Too often, teenagers don't know how to go about solving conflicts and arguments. In this session, presented by Plains High School, participants will learn tools to communicate their feelings effectively, and receive skills to solve problems with others.

Denver City will be doing an informative presentation on the negative effects of using vapes, juuls, and e-cigarettes. We will educate students by using interactive resources and a slideshow presentation to present the latest information about the dangers of vaping.

Q: When and where is the 2020 SUMMIT?

The 2020 SUMMIT will take place at Lubbock-Cooper High School on Wednesday, January 22. Registration will begin at 8:00 am with the first keynote beginning at 9:00 am.

Q: When is the deadline to register for the 2020 SUMMIT and what does it cost?

There are three deadlines to register for this event. Early registration, including lunch is $25 and the deadline is January 10th. Late registration, including lunch is $30 and the deadline is January 15th. On-site registration does not include lunch and is $35.

Q: What do I get when I register for SUMMIT?

Every participant who attends the event will get a day full of information from various speakers on many topics related to drug and alcohol use and abuse, violence, bullying, kindness. and other topics related to teens. Every session has been planned by fellow high school students and can be shared with students at your school. All participants who register by the late registration deadline will also be provided with lunch.

Q: What are we having for lunch?

SUMMIT will be catered by River Smith’s with a menu including chicken and catfish.

Q: How do I register?

Complete the registration form included in the email with this newsletter or found on the SUMMIT website and return to Nancy Patterson at Seminole High School.

Q: How many students can each school bring?

Each school is allowed to bring 45 people to summit, including advisors. This number does not include administrators and bus drivers.

Q: Where can I find information on the web?

www.youthsummitinc.org