By Amanda Pevey
Elmore/Autauga News
On November 15th, Millbrook Middle School hosted their inaugural “Divas with Donuts” Breakfast in the School Cafeteria. Over 300 women and young ladies attended the event.
Moms, aunts, grandmothers, mentors and sisters who fill in the gap for any female students in grades fifth through eighth we’re in attendance. The speakers were Jamie Brown of Max Federal Credit Union and Sarah Stephens of Elmore/Autauga News. They spoke on the importance of positive self-image and knowing one’s worth as a young lady.
Letitia Ruffin-Johnson, fifth and sixth grade Assistant Principal for Millbrook Middle School, was in charge of the entire event. Continental breakfast was served which consisted of donuts, yogurt, fruit, juice, and coffee. Door prizes were given out to the ladies at the end of the meeting.
Physical Education Coach Janaisha Brooks opened up with an inspirational prayer. Guest speakers, Jamie Brown and Sarah Stephens, encouraged the young ladies to recognize their self-worth and to work hard to achieve their goals. If you keep working hard, and dedicate yourself to achieve the goal, it will pay off in the end.
The “Little Divas” learned they could break down any barrier that stood between them and their goals. The girls also learned to simply be kind and to love one another. “You are worthy, you are valued, and you are loved,” said Jamie Brown. Both speakers also spoke on empowerment and the necessity of reaching one’s goals.
Stephens shared stories of being bullied when she was younger, and even into adulthood.
“The bullies don’t leave once you leave the playground. The key is to promote self-confidence. When you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and say, ‘I am beautiful. I am smart. I can achieve any goal I have if I am willing to work hard.’ My mother told me that every day of my life, and I believed her. I still do.”
“There is a need for our young ladies to recognize their worth and own who they are. They must know that social media and others do not define their beauty and who they are,” said Ruffin-Johnson.
Stephanie Tate attended with her granddaughter Alaya Young, an eighth-grade student at Millbrook Middle School. Tate is the Director of R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) in Monroe County, and drove over two hours to be at this meeting. She said she was overwhelmed and loved every bit of the experience.
What inspired her to come was the event that MMS did recently for the men and sons, “Fritters with Fathers” and she knew she wanted to come to the very next event the school presented. Tate stated she was so inspired by this, that she wants to incorporate what she learned in Divas with Donuts event in her own community.
“The Diva and Doughnuts program I think was a big success. It’s exciting to see the participation of the parents and guardians who are we’re representing today. I think it is a program that will help build stability for the students and the climate of the school as a whole,” said Richard Dennis, Superintendent of Elmore County Public Schools.
“We were so happy to be able to host another event that we were able to bring parents and visitors into our school to see the great things going on. I would like to thank our presenters for speaking positive words into our girls. It was awesome seeing the smiles from our students as they were with their moms, aunts, grandmothers, and anyone else filling in the gap on that day. More to come from MMS. Stay tuned,” said Sean Kreauter, Principal for Millbrook Middle School.
For more upcoming events, please visit the Millbrook Middle School Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/MillbrookMiddleSchool or visit their website at: www.millbrookmiddeelmoreal.schoolinsites.com
