On Wednesday, September 28th “Thrive”– a new empowerment program founded by Britney Travis was introduced. The mission of the program is to not only motivate adolescent girls to gain positive self-confidence and self-esteem, but to serve as an outlet for all youth to express themselves safely and wholesomely.
Students from San Pedro High School (SPHS), and Miss San Pedro 2016-2017, Marisha Thompson, made their way to the Lions Den at 4PM, where the meeting began with fun icebreaker games. Following the games, attendants participated in “Spa Day”, where the girls were treated to massages, facials, hand scrubs, manicure, pedicures, headband crafts and hairstyling.
Held under the On Eagle Wings Ministries, Travis was inspired to work alongside island youth. Since Travis was previously involved in SHINE, a program spearheaded by Michelle Nuñez (Former Miss San Pedro 2014-2015), she has embarked in starting her own group to benefit the younger generation of La Isla Bonita. “I have worked with young people for more than 10 years. I have the heart for their stage of life because they are just in an impressionable place, trying to figure out what the next steps are in life. I feel like it is so important at this stage for others to become mentors and leaders in order to guide them on the right path,” said Travis.
The Thrive program will be meeting each week, on Wednesdays for girls and Thursdays for boys at SPHS, starting 3:45PM. The program will discuss relevant topics that our youth deal with on a daily basis, and will incorporate outings, as well as service projects.
“We want to empower students so that they can become the best person they can be. Since I’ve been to the island, I’ve been talking to people and established positive relationships with them. I’ve learned that there is a disconnect when it comes to these sort of programs, so I am dedicating myself to this,” said Travis.
Travis would like to thank the SPHS’s counselors, volunteers, and Scott Hillard. Thrive is open to all high school students, and they are looking forward to expanding the program. Anyone who is interested in joining the group is encouraged to meet at the school grounds next Wednesday, October 5th.
