West Windsor, N.J. – Mercer County Community College and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) Inc. Pi Chapter are partnering to present “Preparing for Greatness,” a youth empowerment conference to be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The conference, which is open to high school students and their parents, takes place on MCCC’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. 

According to event organizers Dr. Diane Campbell, MCCC’s executive dean of Student Affairs, and PDK representative Ivey Avery, the conference workshops for students focus on life skills and college preparedness.

Avery notes that greatness is more about setting goals and creating a life with meaning and purpose than achieving fame. "Students who attend the conferrence will engage in interactive activities that provide insights on staying on the course towards success. Students will analyze the importance of applying themselves in school and achieving academically, as well as the importance of building good character, making choices that help them to reach their goals and developing self-respect and respect for others," she said.

There will also be workshops for parents, as well as tours of the MCCC campus. A continental breakfast will be served from 9 to 10 a.m.; a light lunch will also be provided.

The conferrence will culminate with an awards ceremony and concert featuring talented youth.  The featured performer will be Matthew Whitaker, a 12-year-old organ and piano prodigy who attends the Harlem School of the Arts.  He has performed in Japan, Morocco, and in New York City at the famed Apollo Theater.