“Try Your Best” was the theme for the 17th annual Petals and Pearls program held Saturday, February 3rd at Lewis County Middle School. The event provided a fun day of learning for girls in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Girls and their mothers or adult guest attended a variety of break-out sessions highlighting important issues facing girls today.

Saturday’s program brought sixty-two girls, mothers, grandmothers, or guardians together for a day of celebration. Participants were greeted and signed in by Tonya Woodward and Christian Shadix with Hope Hohenwald. Mother Daughter photos were taken by Erinn Roberson and her mother, Patty Seiber. A light breakfast was served in the library by Kayla Harris, LCMS Nurse and Shiloh Skelton, Central Office Secretary.

Coordinated School Health Supervisor, Sasha Powers welcomed participants to the event and recognized speakers, presenters, and helpers before introducing singer Holly Adkins, Pre-K Teacher. Mrs. Adkins sang “Mom” by: Donna Taggart. She did an amazing job! Sasha Powers then introduced our keynote speaker Kara Farr, Kindergarten Teacher. Mrs. Farr was back for her ninth year. To get the celebration going she got the audience laughing and interacting with each other. Mrs. Farr emphasized that we always need to try our best in every situation we are in.

Shannon Denton, Family Resource Center Director, provided information for the day including program descriptions and locations. Break-out sessions followed. In the first rotation participants could choose from: “Growing Up its Totally Normal” with Jenny Brewer, RN, “In My Healthy Girl Era” with Sarah Saysoukha with Centerstone, and “Mean Girls and Why They Bully”- with Connie Griggs, LCMS Counselor.

The second rotation was all about fun with: Painting with Acrylics with Ann English with Hohenwald Flowers, Skin Care with Skin by Aly, Alyssa Richardson, Make-Up with Emma McCoy & Nylah Halbrooks, Manicures with Faith Sheridan with Family Nail Spa, STEM Challenge “How to Make Sime” with Christian Shadix, Hope Hohenwald, Escape Room with Tonya & Mya Woodward, Hope Hohenwald, Cake Decorating with Kailey Bowen with Sunday Mornings Bakery.

Lunch was prepared by Lewis County Schools’ Food Service Department and served by Shannon Denton, Sasha Powers, Shiloh Skelton, & Kayla Harris.

Gathering back in the auditorium after lunch the LCHS TNSTRONG girls, Rylee Roberson, Raylee Baker, Ashlee Wilson, and Linley Harris. Heather Staggs, Lewis County High School Nurse oversees TNSTRONG at the High School and assisted with the presentation. They presented a powerful power point on the vaping epidemic followed with a fun game of Tobacco Jeopardy with audience participation and lots of prizes.

Shannon Denton then introduced the program sessions and presenters for the afternoon rotations they included:

“I Know More” with Nancy Dansby from Women Are Safe, “Healthy Habits for Life” with Shelly Ray and Gena Powers with UT Extension, “Being the Best Version of You” with Lindsey Wayland with Lewis County Health Department and “The Social Dilemma” with Kailey Cannon with Davis House.

After the last rotation Mothers and Daughters gathered in the auditorium for closing remarks from Shannon Denton, Family Resource Center Coordinator followed by many generous door prizes. Tonya Woodward drew names for the many donated door prizes by Coordinated School Health, Lewis County PTO, Youth/Tobacco Subcommittee, Child Help Task Force, UT Extension, Avon- Tammy Adkins, Bank of Lewis County, CB&S Bank, Peoples Bank, Citizens Bank, Walmart, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, Hohenwald Flowers, Hohenwald Nutrition, Family Nail Spa, Graceful Beauty Company, The Shop, Christlyn’s Vinyl, and Family Resource Center. Hope Hohenwald provided all the things to make goodie bags for everyone.

Petals and Pearls is a program of the Lewis County Health Council Youth/Tobacco Subcommittee through partnership with the schools’ Family Resource Center and Coordinated School Health. Sponsors are Lewis County Schools PTO and Lewis County Health Department.