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Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recipient
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GPA has helped me in so many ways.
Some of our youth extend personal greetings of welcome to our new Governor.
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from Gail Dignam, GPA State Coordinator/Director
GPA volunteers have made 2007 a big success! In spite of funding challenges and the transition in state leadership, the dedicated club sponsors, curriculum teachers, student leaders, and other members of the GPA organization have continued in their mission to support the youth of Louisiana. The work is important and will make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people!
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“Our young people need more of this message.”
“Condoms give a false sense of security,” said the speaker to students at East Jefferson High School recently. “Even if used correctly and consistently, condoms will not protect you from Herpes, HPV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis; and you still have a 15% risk of contracting HIV.” “Whaaat?” a boy sitting in the back of the room said quietly to himself.
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…I love him so much, that I saved all of myself for him.
Drawing a crowd of over 1,000, West Monroe was the final stop on the Fall Regional Conference tour which recently rolled across Louisiana bringing the abstinence message to over 5,000 students and teachers.
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You are priceless!
“If we choose abstinence we can reach beyond the sky!” said Anacoco High student Lyssa Littleton to over 800 students assembled in Louisiana College’s Guinn Auditorium in Pineville.
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GPA, a Program of Opportunities
“I practice abstinence because I am saving myself for my future wife,” said Student Leadership Council member, David McLaughlin to an assembly of nearly 800 students in Ruston.
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Orientation News
Fairview High
Read more: v7i47
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Lafayette: “…now go and live it!”
“When a guy tells a girl that he wants to take their relationship to the next level,” said former professional basketball player Byron Starks, “he might be saying ‘Baby, you know you’re the only one for me,’ but what he means is ‘I don’t trust you enough, or love you enough, to marry you; but I want to try you out!’” Starks was speaking to the over 1,000 students, teachers, and parents at the recently held GPA Fall Regional Conference (FRC) in Lafayette.
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Mandeville: Always remember your ABCs…
A total of over 5,000 students and their faculty sponsors attended six statewide GPA Fall Regional Conferences (FRCs) last week. Attendees came from 86 high schools and 28 junior high schools.
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Workshop offered for schools unable to attend camp
A mini-camp was recently held for the GPA Club officers at Webster Jr. High School. Club Director LaBetha Casey provided students with the information needed to get their GPA Club started.
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Tour kicks off from LSU
“I am not here to tell you what to do, but to tell you that you have a choice,” said former Pentagon Leadership Consultant Julie Laipply.
09.21.2007
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“…one of the highlights of my life.”
Four GPA Club Sponsors were recognized at this summer’s GPA Leadership Camp for their lengths of service to the GPA. All are the original sponsors of their clubs. Read more (v7i42)
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Mark you calendars!
All Louisiana students, parents, educators, and community leaders are invited to the annual GPA Fall Regional Conferences which begin touring the state on September 17th.
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Good news from New Orleans
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…after the most prized possession.
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“Be the ONE that they want!”
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“I am the example and I have the opportunity to change the world.”
The 2007-2008 GPA Leadership Team recently underwent two days of intense training to prepare them for the year ahead.
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Club earns money for Summer Leadership Camp.
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by Abbie Corkern, GPA Club member
FRANKLINTON- Franklinton High School's Governor's Program on Abstinence Club took center stage at this year's state convention, with 21 FHS students participating.
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GPA Student of the Year
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“The GPA becomes a way of life.”
6.10.2007 Congratulations to Caitlyn Turner, GPA’s Student of the Year!
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On the Hill
6.08.2007, GPA student, Lance Frank, reports on his recent trip to Abstinence Day on the Hill.
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GPA Youth Participate in Abstinence Day on the Hill
Encourage congressmen to continue support of abstinence education
A group of GPA student leaders joined youth from across the nation to participate in this week’s 3rd annual Abstinence Day on the Hill. (more,v7i30)
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2007 GPA Spring State Convention
Abstinence Takes Center Stage
“Some adults will say, ’oh well…boys will be boys,’ but I know we have young men of integrity in this room tonight,” said Pam Stenzel to a cheering crowd of over 800 students, teachers, and GPA leaders at the 7th annual GPA State Convention held in April in Baton Rouge. (more,v7i29)
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GPA State Convention
A not-to-be-missed event!
For a year now, GPA Event Coordinator, Tonya Matthews (left) has been putting together the most exciting event ever to be held by the GPA! This not-to-be-missed event is the 2007 GPA Spring State Convention. More v7i24
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School Board Declares Abstinence Appreciation Day
Pitkin High GPA presents proclamation to Vernon Parish School Board
Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Gillespie declared February 14, 2007 as Abstinence Appreciation Day for Vernon Parish Schools by signing a proclamation presented by Pitkin High’s GPA Club President Jeremiah Johnson and Vice-President Heath Carroll. More v7i17
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Designing for Abstinence
For teens by a teen.
Eighteen year old Jordan Wade (left) has been a member of the Governor’s Program on Abstinence for four years. She is the proud designer of GPA’s first “hoodie”: More, v7i16
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Website News for Clubs
Resources and ideas for projects
GPA Clubs, use Valentine’s Day as a backdrop for Abstinence Appreciation and Pledge Ceremony Day! Get resources and ideas here.
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GPA Holds Mock Legislative Session
Caucus trains youth for battles ahead.
House Bill No. 100 would require that all children, before entering elementary school or before reaching the age of six years old, whichever is earliest, be vaccinated for the HPV virus. This is an example of legislation debated during the annual GPA mock Legislative Caucus designed to teach students the legislative process. GPA clubs from 38 Louisiana high schools were represented at the event held in the senate chambers at the State Capitol on January 20th.
Students, in the same manner as actual state legislators, presented, questioned, and voted on mock bills. GPA contractors played the role of legislators opposed to the pro-abstinence position.
“If our youth are to effect change, they must be informed and be able to express their positions in a clear and meaningful way,” said Gail Dignam, GPA State Coordinator/Director. “This mock caucus is training for the cultural battles they will surely face in high school, college, and beyond.”
“More important than students learning about the legislative process is that the students had the opportunity to defend abstinence causes,” said GPA student leader Caitlyn Turner. “They had an opportunity to research the bills and make a decision based on facts. This will be important as they continue to face adversity and opposition in high school, because now, they have the confidence to stand up for what they believe.”
“The kids had a great time and learned a lot,” said North Desoto GPA sponsor Melissa Ward. “They’re still talking about it!”
“Students were encouraged to participate and the atmosphere was relaxed, so students could enjoy it,” said student leader Courtney Mumphrey. “The debate topics were excellent.”
Preceding this year’s caucus was a new debate competition. First place went to Richwood High School from Monroe and second place to Ouachita Parish High School.
Related Story: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/5279446.html
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Regions 12 & 13: “The GPA is looking for the gold in you!”
Nearly 500 students attended the GPA Fall Regional Conferences held in Mandeville and Thibodeaux. Part of an annual series held throughout the state to bring the abstinence message to as many youth as possible, the conferences are put on with the help of local GPA Club members. Club members perform skits, poems, and songs, and give testimonies. More v7i9
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Region 5: “We…heard an amazing message!”
Nearly 500 students from area parishes attended the Region 5 GPA Fall Conference. Among the schools represented were Franklin Parish High School, Franklin Academy, Vidalia High School, Block High School, Baskin Middle School and Crowville Middle School. More, v7i08
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Pointe Coupee Central GPA Club
STD Awareness Month
The Pointe Coupee Central GPA Club sponsored STD Awareness Month on its campus during the month of November. “Our students composed and read poems, stories, and speeches over the school public address system during the morning announcements each day in November,” said faculty sponsor Joyce Benton. STD Awareness, the focus of which is to raise awareness of the STD epidemic raging throughout America, is one of four annual GPA Club Projects.
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Region 2: “Out of our character, we form our destiny.”
The GPA Region 2 Fall Conference was held at the Ruston Convention Center with over 400 students in attendance. More,v7i07
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GPA’s Dr. Dee Burbank Visits Lee High
Teen sex has costly roaming charges.
GPA Medical Advisor Dr. D. Burbank, pictured visited Lee High School in Baton Rouge on Nov. 17, 2006. She spoke to a group of around 200 students. Dr. Burbank explained the scientific basis for the health benefits of abstinence...More, v7i6
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Region 3: “The choices we make today affect the dreams we have for tomorrow.”
The GPA held its Region 3 Fall Regional Conference on October 25th, in West Monroe. More, v7i06
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Regions 10 & 11: Remember, silence is acceptance.
Nearly 1200 students from schools in Regions 10 and 11 attended the GPA Fall Conference held at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge on October 30th. More, v7i04
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Region 6: Sex is vitally connected to marriage…
Nearly 500 students from schools in Region 6 were welcomed to the GPA Fall Conference held at Louisiana College in Pineville on October 23rd by Pineville mayor, Clarence Fields. Part of a series of conferences held statewide during late October promoting abstinence-until-marriage, the program featured experts on abstinence issues and the talent of local GPA Club members. More, v7i03
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Fall Regional Conference Spotlight
Region 7: We are young people on a mission!
Thirteen schools participated in the GPA Fall Regional Conference (FRC) held in Lake Charles, La. at LaGrange High School on October 24th. One in a series of conferences held annually across Louisiana, over 600 students and faculty members attended. More,v7i01
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South Beauregard GPA Club
Members pay visit to legislators’ offices
On Tuesday, October 17, Jamie Habetz and John Simmons of the South Beauregard High School GPA Club, and their club sponsor, Wendy Manuel, visited the offices of Senator Gerald J. Theunissen and Representative Dan W. Morrish to provide information on the positive effects of abstinence and update them on the various activities and events held throughout the year for Louisiana high school students involved in GPA. The meeting was arranged by GPA Legislative Liaison Kay Illes. More v6i52
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GPA Tag Teams
Team approach opens doors.The job of GPA Curriculum Coordinators (CCs) is to establish the GPA curriculum in schools, and that of GPA Regional Directors (RDs) is to establish GPA Clubs. Historically, CCs and RDs have worked independently of one another within their regions.
But in November of 2005, GPA Director/State Coordinator, Gail Dignam, called together the CCs and RDs of the most populated of Louisiana’s GPA regions. She instructed them to pilot a team approach in order to bring GPA clubs and curriculum to every school. More, v6,i48
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GPA Student Brings Abstinence Message to African Youth
“They knew it meant life or death for their nation.”
Mission work had always been a dream of Rachel Collins (right), age 16. Her plan was to travel to South Africa with Global Expeditions in the summer of 2006 to help families affected by the AIDS epidemic. Then Katrina struck, leaving her own family homeless. Global Expeditions contacted Rachel in the fall of 2005 to find out if she would still be making the trip. More, v6,i47
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GPA Website Update
Newly posted items of interest
If you haven’t visited the GPA website lately, you’ll want to take a look. In addition to abstinence-related news, check out these links for recently posted, PowerPoints, photos, Club Handbooks, and a public service announcement created by our student leaders. More, v6,i46
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On the Road with GPA Congressional Field Rep., Yogi Sittig
“On the road, there are so many surprises!”
GPA Congressional Field Representative, Yogi Sittig, has been hitting the road hard all year bringing the GPA to schools in southern Louisiana. In addition to sponsoring the GPA Club at Eunice High School (right), Yogi has found new sponsors at Abbeville High, Crowley High, and Opelousas High. Other schools that Yogi has visited are Mount Carmel Elementary-Abbeville, Vermillion Catholic-Abbeville, Cecilia Junior and Senior High Schools, and Breaux Bridge High School. Yogi gives us some highlights from her travels: More v6,i44
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Spotlight on GPA Club Members
Their success is no accident!
We’d like to give commendation to the successes of some of our GPA Club members who were featured in newspapers across the state, over the summer, for their achievements. More, v6,i42
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Camp Report
This summer, I attended GPA Camp for the first time. It was an unforgettable, life-changing experience. The theme, Training for the Gold, incorporated the Olympic rings in the camp emblem. The neat thing about the design is that it had wedding rings which stood for students waiting until they’re married before having sex. I met a lot of people who share my beliefs and we weren’t being judged for our decisions. I have a lot of wonderful and fun memories from camp that I will take with me the rest of my life.
Some of the fun things that happened at camp were: playing wacky Olympics-we got drenched and dirty-; watching the Late Night Show-it was hilarious-; attending the officer workshops and doing all the crazy dances like Peanut Butter Jelly Time and Ice Cream and Cake. There was also a Ropes Course which built upon our team and leadership skills. One activity in the Ropes Course was for a team of 15-20 kids to steady themselves on a beam that continued to shift like a see-saw until it was balanced. Another involved two pieces of plywood separated by 3 feet to get across platforms. It’s not as easy as it sounds!
There was also a more serious side to the camp. At one point, the guys and girls were split up for conversation with GPA college students. In my group, the college girls explained to us why they have chosen abstinence and how they have been treated by peers and partners. We were able to ask them questions about anything and they gave us their honest opinion. It was a heart-to-heart conversation. They really did care about our wellbeing.
To me, one of the greatest parts of the camp was when the club presidents were asked to come forward with candles and have them lit. Each president had to light their fellow officers’ candles signifying a new beginning, a new year of working together to make a difference in the world. The darkened hall was beautiful. All the candles through out were touching. We were all as one, lighting up the world.
Thank you for giving me a chance to meet people and enjoy what I believe in. I hope to see you all soon and I hope we all can work together to make a change in our clubs, our school, our communities, and the entire world.-- Jatori Perry, Zwolle GPA Club
Photo Gallery
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Training for the Gold!
GPA Summer Leadership Camps
Over 300 campers representing 50 schools from across Louisiana attended the 2006 GPA Summer Leadership camps held at Tall Timbers in Woodworth, La, between July 28 and August 6.
Training for the Gold was the theme of this year’s camps. “The camp theme is in keeping with the GPA curriculum which is basically a youth’s guide for decision-making,” said Gail Dignam, GPA State Coordinator/Director. More, v6,i40
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GPA Student Leadership Team Travels to D.C. for Training
I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world.
The Governor’s Program on Abstinence Leadership Team traveled to Washington D.C. on July 3rd for a week of intense leadership training. The leadership team consists of 42 high school students selected from around the state to represent the Governor’s Program on Abstinence at the state level throughout the 2006-2007 school year. The training took place at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD.
“This year was an amazing success!” said Gail Dignam, GPA State Coordinator/Director. “Louisiana's GPA youth leaders came from across the state not knowing one another at the beginning of the trip, but during the course of training they began to function as a team. More
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A Father Too Soon
A poem by a GPA student
This poem was entered in the GPA Spring State Convention Poetry Slam Competition. With this weekend’s celebration of fatherhood, it is a good time to reflect that a child whose father is ill-prepared will be dramatically less well-off. GPA sends Happy Father’s Day greetings to all of our hardworking and loving fathers. v6,i33
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Winning Poetry Slam is Message for the World
Fourteen-year-old delivers poem at State Capitol
Renisha Bisnath, a 14 year-old, from Trinidad and Tobago, won 1st place with the following entry in the Poetry Slam Competition at the 2006 GPA Spring State Convention. Renisha delivered her poem with poise and conviction well beyond her years at the GPA Rally on the State Capitol steps on April 25th. More
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Teen Choices Tops Off Eventful Year
From helping hurricane evacuees to recognizing music artist for promoting abstinence…
Teen Choices GPA Club has had a busy year, from helping Hurricane Katrina evacuees, to attending GPA events, to recognizing an international music artist for promoting abstinence.
At the recent GPA Convention, the club took home awards for 1st place in Oratory, 1st place in Skit Competitions, 1st place in commercial, 1st place in Team Competition, 2nd place in PowerPoint, 2nd place in Poetry Slam, and 3rd place in Achievement Report. More
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GPA Student of the Year
First-time award honors exemplary GPA student leader
Ouachita Parish High senior, Curtis Lipscomb is the first ever recipient of the Governor’s Program on Abstinence Student of the Year Award. Lipscomb was honored for his exemplary contributions to the GPA at the Spring State Convention held in April in Baton Rouge.
“Curtis is a leader, a servant and a peacemaker,” said Student Leadership Coordinator, Christine Baglow. “Because of his dedication, he looks for better ways to serve the program, to be on time, and to fulfill every assignment given to him. He is a team player and works exceptionally well with adults and students alike.” More
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GPA's Dr. Burbank at Capitol Pre-College Academy for Girls
She put us in charge of what happens to us…
Capitol Pre-College Academy invited GPA Medical Advisor, Dr. Dee Burbank to give a presentation on April 6 at the downtown Baton Rouge school. Over 300 high school girls attended.
Faculty Sponsor, Carol Paine on Dr. Dee’s presentation:
The Capitol Pre-College Academy for Girls was enthralled with Dr. Dee Burbank's message on abstinence last month. She caught their attention quickly by...5/06
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GPA's Secret to Great Events
GPA Event Coordinator inspired by GPA youth
Summer Leadership Camp, Fall Regional Conference, Winter Legislative Caucus, and Spring State Convention…GPA events are as dependable as the passing of the seasons, in spite of the unpredictable hurricane season. This year’s four annual GPA events were executed with great success and, in all, attended by approximately 5300 youth and educators.
Planning for the four quarterly events is an on-going process. GPA Event Coordinator, Tonya Matthews, is the secret to the success of GPA Events according to GPA State Coordinator/ Director, Gail Dignam. 5/06
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Sixth Annual Convention and Rally
Is it in you to wait?
The enthusiastic response of GPA youth was undeniable when emcee David Dawson, a 23-year- old youth leader and abstinence advocate from Baton Rouge, issued the challenge, “Is it in you to wait?” Over five hundred students, faculty advisors, and GPA leaders from all over Louisiana and from Trinidad and Tobago convened at the Holiday Inn Select in Baton Rouge on April 23rd for three days of abstinence affirmation at the 6th Annual Governor’s Program on Abstinence Convention. 4/06
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Pleasant Hill School Embraces GPA
High school club and middle school curriculum started
On April 10, GPA Curriculum Coordinator Steve Casey spoke to an attentive group of
Pleasant Hill 7-12th graders (right) about abstinence. Following the assembly, Sheryl Scott and two other faculty members volunteered to be faculty sponsors of a GPA Club for the high school. “Efforts are underway to help the new club attend the 2006 GPA Summer Leadership Camp,” said GPA Regional Director, LaBetha Casey. Pleasant Hill School is located in Sabine Parish. 4/06
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Abstinence Pledge Ceremony, Sacred Heart High Students
Ninety-five students hold key to promising future.
On April 7th, the Sacred Heart High School GPA Club, aka, Students United for Abstinence (SUFA), held an abstinence pledge ceremony in which 95 students pledged to remain abstinent until marriage. “It was a big group, - a record for our school,” said GPA Club sponsor, Anne-Christine Jagneaux. 4/06
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GPA at LSU
Wellness Fair raises awareness of program.
The Governor's Program on Abstinence participated in the Wellness Fair held at the LSU Student Union on March 30.
LSU GPA club member, Brandi Bradley, manned the GPA exhibit. “A lot of people were mostly shocked by the information on HPV (Human Papilloma Virus),” said Bradley, “and, to learn that you could still get STDs with condoms.” 03/06 More
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Purity Ring Ceremony for 60 Franklinton High Students
Speaker chanllenges students with more "enjoyable trip".
The Louisiana Castle in Franklinton was a beautiful backdrop to a purity ring ceremony celebrated by the Franklinton High GPA Club. With parents and their guests looking on 60 students took a pledge of purity. Led by Club President, Nadia Hashimi, the program consisted of the reading of Robert Frost’s, “The Road Not Taken”; an explanation of the symbolic rings, and a song by Hashimi titled “Go Light Your World.” 04/06, More
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Ascension Options Program Embraces Abstinence
Program hopes GPA will help to keep students on track.
Thirty-one Options III Program students at the Ascension Parish Alternative School, have signed up for the school’s new GPA Club. The Options III program is a voluntary program where students spend
half of their day working on Academic/Pre-GED skills and the other half on Skill electives. (3-10-06), v6i19
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GPA Club Officers, Named Student of the Year
Abstinent lifestyle sets up students for success.
GPA Club officers Tim Herrington, of DeRidder High (left) and Patrick Newman, of South Beauregard High (right), have been named Student of the Year of their respective schools.
(3-10-06), v6i19
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Regions 10 and 11 Hold Presidents’ Council
Annual gathering promotes unity among regional clubs.
GPA Regions 10 and 11 held its annual president's council on Saturday February 28th. GPA presidents council gatherings are designed to promote unity among GPA clubs within each region. (2-28-06), v6i18
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East Jefferson High GPA Students Take Abstinence Pledge
I plan to give my purity to my future husband.
The East Jefferson High School Governor’s Program on Abstinence Club celebrated Abstinence Appreciation Week with a Pledge Ceremony and luncheon on Friday, February 17th. (2-17-06) v6i17.
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Mansfield High GPA Celebrates Abstinence Appreciation Week
Sex is an adult behavior…
Sex is an adult behavior and it is important that students understand it is OK to wait! You have a choice! The Governor’s Program on Abstinence (GPA) Club broadcast abstinence messages such as these over Mansfield High School’s intercom system in recognition of Abstinence Appreciation Week. GPA Club members also presented the student body with Valentine lollipops bearing abstinence messages. In addition, an abstinence information bulletin board was created for the hallway; and a sign displaying the tenet true love waits was hung on the school fence. (2-15-06), v6i16
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Casting Call!
Abstinence production auditions scheduled in Natchitoches, La.
“Here’s Where I Draw the Line” is the name of a new musical production written by Ken Foy and his wife, Gwen. Foy, band director for Natchitoches Central High and a regional director for the Governor’s Program on Abstinence, hopes to promote sexual abstinence among teens through the production. (1-27-06), v6i13
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GPA Members Learn Legislative Ropes
Students legislate from an abstinence-based perspective.
A young woman stood at the lectern in the Louisiana House of Representatives on Saturday to present a controversial bill. “All retail stores in Louisiana open for business to minors shall ban from sale or dissemination all pornography, including but not limited to magazines, books, videos, games, and other media of any kind,” Caitlyn Turner said. (1-23-06), v6,i13
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Avoyelles High GPA Club Holds Community Forum
When the statistics rolled out…, eyes popped open.
The Avoyelles High GPA Club hosted a community forum for STD Awareness Day on Nov. 29th. Sixty five people attended. Moreauville mayor, Lionel Bordelon, praised club members for their conviction and challenged them to continue to raise awareness of STDs in the community. Kim Keller of the Lafayette Disease Investigative Services gave attendees information and regional statistics about HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea. “Abstinence is a hard decision to make,” Keller told club members, “but I am very proud of you for taking a stand and making a difference.” Avoyelles nurse, Leslie Andress, spoke about her work at the parish health unit, as well as, secondary virginity. (12-29-06), v6,i11
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Mansfield High GPA Club Success
The school’s pregnancy rate has dropped drastically…
According to Jerrie Choate (right), faculty sponsor for the Mansfield GPA club, the school’s pregnancy rate has dropped drastically since the GPA club was started 3 years ago. Back then, there were 20 student pregnancies, says Choate. This year there are only two known cases. (12-23-06), v6,i10
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Fall Regional Conferences Reach Nearly Five Thousand
“Since…Rita and Katrina, there hasn't been much to be excited about, but the conference changed that.”
In October and November, the GPA held eight Fall Regional Conferences throughout Louisiana despite Katrina and Rita. In all, the GPA brought the abstinence message to nearly 5000 students. By popular demand, a second Baton Rouge conference had to be scheduled in order to accommodate the number of students interested in participating. (12-16-06), v6,i09
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John Curtis Patriots Bring the Message to Lutheran High
“It helps to know that other people believe in the same thing you do.”
John Curtis GPA Club officers brought the abstinence message to Lutheran High School in November. Lutheran’s new club sponsor invited the group to make a brief presentation to all classes in order to promote membership for the school’s new club. (12-09-06), v6,i08
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Beauregard Parish Proclaims STD Awareness Day
Fifty percent of Americans ages 14-25 has a viral, incurable STD.
The South Beauregard High GPA Club presented the Beauregard Parish Police Jury with a proclamation on November 8th. Police Jury officials read and signed the proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 16th, STD Awareness Day in Beauregard Parish. (12-02-06), v6,i07
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Beau Chene GPA Club Assists Katrina Victims
“…little things can make such a difference in people's lives.”
The Beau Chene High GPA Club sponsored a Katrina humanitarian project in October. “Twenty- four students put in 120 hours to help Katrina victims,” said advisor Carol Fontenot. “It was a very good experience for all of them.” (11-25-06) v6,i6
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Anacoco GPA Club Holds Buddy Lunch
“It's no trick!”
The Anacoco GPA Club held a Buddy Lunch on October 31st to spread the GPA message. “Each member had one ticket for a free lunch that they could give to a friend,” said sponsor Cindy Teasley. “The ticket read: It's no trick! Your lunch is our treat! “ (11-25-06) v6,i6
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Orientation Day at Ruston High
“Count the cost, before you gamble …”
Ruston High’s GPA Club sponsored a Vegas-style Orientation Day recently during prep week (right). “Poker is really big in our school, especially with the guys,” said GPA club advisor, April Winstead. Students handed out poker chips that read: Count the cost, before you gamble with your life - Save sex for marriage. Anyone receiving a chip with WINNER on it received a deck of playing cards with an abstinence message written on the outside. (11-07-06) v6,i05
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GPA Fall Regional Conference in West Monroe
”…there is such tremendous power in remaining pure.”
Over 400 Louisiana youth came together on October 27th at the West Monroe GPA Fall Regional Conference to learn about the power and importance of sexual abstinence prior to marriage.
“There is such a high price to pay in having premarital sex, but there is such tremendous power in remaining pure,” said Lyndsey Breard, 22, the executive director of Life Choices Pregnancy Resource Center in Monroe. “I enjoy speaking to students. They are the future of our country and it is wise for us, as adults, to invest in them, to encourage their dreams and goals, and to provide sound education about things that can sidetrack them from living happy, healthy futures.” (11-03-06) V6,i04
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GPA Fall Regional Conference in Thibodaux
“These Louisiana heroes have convinced me that the abstinence message is here to stay.”
The Governor’s Program on Abstinence held the first of its series of 2005 Fall Regional Conferences on Oct. 17th at Nicholls State University. “Today we enjoyed enthusiastic teenagers from GPA Clubs in the Thibodaux area who shared their personal convictions on sexual abstinence and expressed their determination to ‘get the message out’,” said GPA State Director, Gail Dignam. “These Louisiana heroes have convinced me that the abstinence message is here to stay.” Patterson High School Senior, Dustin Jett, gave this testimony:…, (10-18-05), v6,02
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Student Loses Everything to Katrina…Except Her Conviction
“…they were amazed at how little they knew about sexually transmitted diseases.”
Jasmine Craig, GPA Club President for John Ehret High in Marrero gives this report from Houston. (10-18-05) v6,02
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GPA Faculty Sponsor Counts Blessings Amid Destruction
“It's amazing how little you really need when you get down to it.”
The 17th Street canal breach was a stone’s through away from Nadine Pizer’s doorstep in New Orleans’ Lakeview Subdivision. Nadine Pizer is faculty sponsor for the Archbishop Blenk High School Wait for Me GPA Club. (10-12-05) v6,i01
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Be the Change; be Abstinent
Say East Jefferson Warriors
The East Jefferson GPA Club held its annual pledge ceremony during the week of Valentine’s Day. More v7i18
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Stop at a Kiss
DeRidder GPA Club celebrates Abstinence Appreciation
The DeRidder High GPA Club celebrated Abstinence Appreciation during the week of Valentine’s Day. More v7i18
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