MidCity Excellence hosts 10th annual Solutions Summit

By Kirsten Stokes

In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, MidCity Excellence hosted its annual Solutions Summit to teach and inspire young people in St. Joseph to find success in their futures, no matter the industry.

“These youth are going to be our future and our now,” said Kimberly Warren, MCE founder and CEO. “We have to start pulling them in so they can share and help sustain our economy, the families, stay in school and so much more”.

Mayor John Josendale gave a proclamation honoring the summit, which was this year themed “Geniuses Live Here.” MCE student Isabella Mccallon shared the core values she has learned through the program and what they mean to her.

“Whether you have homework after school, they’re willing to help you,” said Mccallon. “No matter how hard it is, there’s always a teacher to try their best to help you.”

Striving to be a teacher, student Carly Gardner talked about how MCE is helping to make her aspirations possible.

“Sometimes we have these people that come in and they help us, and they ask us questions, and are actually honest and we learn a lot from them,” Gardner said.

Among the programs MCE provides are the St. Joe Stixx drum line and the Trash Can Band. Both are for students interested in percussion, and each group performed at Monday’s event.

Students put their passion for music as well as friendship on display through the performances.

“You’ll find friends and if you want to join the drum line, you can do it,” said Kingston Garcia, MCE student.

“I met my best friend here,” said Zander Culp, another MCE student.

Along with the performance by students and worship and a brunch fellowship, Felicia Comeaux, keynote speaker and a seasoned coach, spoke about the importance of adults inspiring the kids around them and creating a village and partnership between students and their adult leaders.

“Parents need to partner with teachers and coaches because it takes all of us,” Comeaux said. “What I give is one thing, what you give is something else but what we give together is amazing.”

Another keynote speaker, Bill Alexander, contractor and president of Alexander Mechanic Inc., focused on promoting construction as a career option as a way for young people to avoid student debt from college and be in a lucrative career field.

“The construction industry, if you’re interested in working with your hands and seeing something done, it’s a perfect place,” Alexander said.

Warren said Monday’s summit isn’t just a one-time event to honor King, but a springboard to each MCE student’s future.

“Although he was an amazing leader who graduated from high school at 16 years old … This is the springboard for the rest of the year, not just a one-hit wonder,” Warren said.