Boardman High School’s 5th annual Yes Fest will feature wheelchair bodybuilding champion Nick Scott as guest speaker with a “Fearless” message on Fri., Oct. 20. The anti-drug event was created to challenge students to go a step further than just saying “No to Drugs,” but to also say “Yes” to positive influences, especially community service.
      Scott’s story is inspirational, motivational, and compelling especially for teens who struggle with peer pressure and not wanting to be ‘different.’ He talks about how a terrible car accident changed his life as a high school football player, but opened endless possibilities that he’d never imagined.
      The entire high school as well as seventh and eighth graders from Glenwood Junior High will have the opportunity to hear Scott’s empowering message. Following his presentation, high school students will also travel to the gym for a community festival with endless volunteer choices, where nearly 1400 students will be able to talk to representatives from nearly 60 valley non-profit organizations and community groups about a wide range of volunteer opportunities. Some of the guests include Akron Children’s Hospital, Beatitude House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Humane Society and Mahoning Valley’s United Way.
      “I’ve been involved with Yes Fest since its inception, and we as administrators can see it’s really making an impact on our students,” said assistant high School principal Anne Bott.
      “Giving teens the power to determine who they want to be, and providing them ways to make a positive difference can keep young adults from making that tragic mistake.”