Ellington

When Keisha Varnell walks down the hallways of Lanier High School, she remembers what it was like to face peer pressure but admits today's students have it a lot harder. "The issues now are so much more intense and severe," Varnell says. "When I was coming through, we were worried about which shoes matched what pants, but now you have technology, cyber stalking and venues on Web sites that make it hard for students."

Varnell, 36, graduated from Lanier High School and received a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is now working with students at Lanier and other area high schools to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Varnell, is also the youth program coordinator for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence and formed Helping Our Teens two years ago to address issues of teen dating violence, STDS, suicide, and pregnancy through education and open dialogue. Currently, 600 females students at Wingfield High School are participating in the six-week program.

Varnell, a mother of three, says the rewarding part of her work is seeing the change that occurs in the teens she works with. "We've seen an increase in grades and self esteem, and I've had several girls tell me that because of the program, they were able to identify warning signs in abusive relationships and get out of those relationships," she says.

To donate or find out more information about Helping Our Teens, contact Keisha Varnell at 601-238-5034.