“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Muriel Strode, author

The third annual YouAreYou event will take place April 20th on the campus of Misericordia University in Dallas, PA.

It is a day of exploration for the tenth grade girls of the Dallas, Lake-Lehman and Northwest Area School districts. Presentations on self-image, peer pressure, careers, and making healthy self-esteem choices provide young girls with the tools they need to be strong, secure and proud of being themselves.

This years keynote speaker will be Sonia L. Planey, Ph.D. who is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Cedar Crest College with a degree in Genetic Engineering, Dr. Planey received her Ph.D. in Biochem/Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Planey received the Portuguese Heritage Scholarship Foundation Award, National Institute of Health Training Grant and Gallo Award for Outstanding Cancer Research. She is a member of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Association for Women in Science.

Presentations that day will include:

“There’s a Better Way – Self Defense” presented and demonstrated by Master Bridget Morrissey of the American DoJo Karate School of NEPA.

“Being One of a Kind – Uniquely You” presented by Kris Battle and Sarah Orloski of the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA.

RYOT (Rally Youth Organized Together) will present  an audience participation Socio-Drama exploring issues of abusive relationships, bullying and making healthy decisions. RYOT is a youth group associated with East Stroudsburg High School in the Poconos which has brought their presentation to numerous schools and organizations.

Through the support and cooperation of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Wilkes-Barre, a brief presentation will explore the positive power of a mentoring relationship. Mentors, interviewed and vetted by BB/BS are local ATHENA Award winners who would like to share their experience and knowledge and help make a difference in a young woman’s life.