Conference will train teens to promote safe driving habits

Area high schoolers will get the chance next week to learn how to promote safe driving habits among their peers.

The annual Team Spirit Leadership Training Conference begins Sunday at Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau, according to a news release from the Cape Girardeau Police Department. This is the 21st year for the conference, which is designed to empower teens to tackle issues such as drinking and driving, texting and driving and lack of seat-belt use.

The conference is presented by the Cape Girardeau Safe Communities Program, the Missouri Department of Traffic and Highway Safety Division and the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Team Spirit coordinator Sharee Galnore said nine high schools will be represented, with up to 10 advisers and students from each school.

"We had one team that asked to bring more, and we said 'yes'" because other schools were bringing fewer people, Galnore said.

The keynote speaker for this year's conference is success coach Dr. Tim Crowley, founder and CEO of Crowley Leadership.

Galnore said Crowley, who speaks at events nationwide, helps Team Spirit participants "see their own self-worth. While they're together, we want them to work as a team. Everyone has something to contribute."

Team Spirit runs Sunday through Tuesday evening. Participants will participate in workshops ranging from drug trends to leadership training. They also will participate in a DWI docudrama and team-building exercises, an event schedule shows.

Galnore said teens will create action plans to take back to their schools on texting and driving, buckling up and underage drinking.

After the conference ends Tuesday, Galnore said, the Team Spirit staff will travel to Columbia, Missouri, to conduct the same program all over again.

"It's a big week. We go from Saturday to the next Sunday," Galnore said.

Although the conference is in its 21st year, Galnore said many students who go through the program as participants apply and return as staff.

"Some of our original staff is still with us."

kwebster@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

104 South Vantage Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701