Front Row (left to right): Leighton Coffey; Maria Martinez; Desire’ Napier; Katelyn Bess; Tobias Napier; Joey Hines

Students from the Governor’s Minority Student College Preparation Program or GMSCPP spent Saturday afternoon, January 23rd, enjoying a presentation by and time spent with Dr. William “Bill” Turner.  Dr. Turner is the National Endowment for the Humanities Chair in Appalachian Studies at Berea College.  Dr. Turner shared his experiences of growing up in Appalachia as a minority.  He challenged students to learn more about themselves, their heritage, their ancestry, and the world around them in order to become more productive and competent members of society.  He encouraged them to overcome the obstacles of stereotypes, distractions, and pessimists and set goals for themselves and strive to achieve them.  Dr. Turner cited a number of recent studies as they relate to today’s youth and how various forms of technology are taking up a significant portion of time on a daily basis.  He emphasized the need for young people, particularly those who are African-American, to get their priorities in order to face the challenges that today’s world presents.  The students spent time at the Loyal Jones Appalachian Center at Berea College, shared a meal with Dr. Turner, and attended a Berea College basketball game.

Front Row (left to right): Maria Martinez; Leighton Coffey; Joey Hines. Back Row (left to right): Desire’ Napier; Katelyn Bess; Dr. Bill Turner; George Martinez; Tobias Napier.	Front Row (left to right): Leighton Coffey; Maria Martinez; Desire’ Napier. Back Row (left to right): Katelyn Bess; Joey Hines; Tobias Napier