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Bishop
Byrne’s Good Samaritan Speaker’s Podium
In
celebration of the 40th anniversary of the
Catholic Diocese of Memphis, Bishop J. Terry Steib requested
that schools and parishes implement initiatives to celebrate
this milestone and the diocesan role as The Good Samaritan
Between the Rivers. Bishop Byrne Middle and High School
responded by kicking off The Good Samaritan Speaker’s
Podium, bringing community leaders into the school to share
their stories and inspiration with students in grades 7
through 12.
Friday
afternoons throughout the spring quarter have been dedicated
to character education, with all-school assemblies featuring
guest speakers sharing lessons on life and the choices faced
by youth today. Local Good Samaritan speakers have included
Rev. Joe (Uncle Joe) Hunter, a youth advocate, minister and
gang intervention specialist whose topic was “Get in the
Jesus Gang”; Mr. Rod Thompson, graduate student, youth
minister and youth advocate, and husband of Bishop Byrne
English teacher, Mrs. Angel Crawford-Thompson, who talked
about “Choices and Decisions”; and Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, a
guidance counselor and youth interventionist, who addressed
the topic of “Striving to Be the Best You Can Be”. Their
visits have challenged students to consider their paths in
life and created dialogue about the challenges teens face.
The 2011
Speaker’s Podium series wrapped up with Deidra Woods from
the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department speaking on “Rights,
Rules and Responsibilities” and a musical performance by the
Lemoyne Owen Concert Choir as Bishop Byrne students,
teachers, staff, and parents celebrated the lives and
missions of Good Samaritans between the rivers.
The Lemoyne Owen Concert Choir performed inspirational songs
to wrap up the Good Samaritan Speaker’s Podium at Bishop
Byrne Middle and High School. |
