Annual Convention — "Nurturing Our Youth for the Future"
Our 3-day annual convention "Nurturing Our Youth for the Future" takes place in January. It is our greatest joy and challenge. Its goal is to provide useful, timely, and needed information to both students and the community. It offers a varied program for students of all academic levels and backgrounds ranging from "How to Get into Medical School" for college students to "How to Get Financial Aid" for any level students. There is an array of presentations on health, religion, financial, political, and legal empowerment by high caliber speakers. An exhibit hall of businesses, nonprofit organizations, various sponsors, and schools offer attendees the opportunity to network and obtain information on areas of interest. The convention program includes address by Keynote Speakers, special topics of interest such as Haiti Projects, and award ceremony for the three winners of the essay competition. In keeping with HALO’s focus on education, the first day of the convention is dedicated to our Students’ Forum where students from middle, junior, and high schools are the focus of the convention. The students, supported by their teachers and parents, are treated to motivational and role model speakers who endeavor to inspire them to not only remain in school but to excel and prepare for higher education.