The Resiliency Preparatory Academy (RPA) held its second annual Youth Empowerment Conference on April 10, 2017 that began with speakers Jesse Green "The Machine" and Hannah Resseger, involved students in team-building activities, and ended with a march to Government Center where students heard from Mayor Correia, Superintendent Matthew Malone, State Representative Paul Schmid, People Incorporated Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships Robert Canuel, and two students. The "Make it Here" theme was echoed through all of the presentations, emphasizing the idea that all students can make it in Fall River if they believe in themselves. Students wore bright orange tee shirts with the "Make It Here" logo promoted by the Mayor and were accompanied on the march by members of the Fall River Police Department. "Let's demonstrate to our young people that we take pride in our community, we love them, and they can indeed live peaceful lives and make it here," said Principal Magdalana Reis. "If someone didn't tell you they love you today, we do!" added Reis. Click here for a 27-minute video of the event. Click here for photos of the opening of the Community Engagement Center and here for photos of the first Youth Empowerment Conference held at the RPS school last year. For more information, contact Principal Reis at 508-675-8230. 

(Top row) Resiliency students and faculty march down Rock Street from the school to Government Center on a beautiful spring day. (Row two) Fall River Police Officer Richard Saraiva keeps the street free of traffic while a neighbor watches the procession from his porch. (Row three) Students complete their walk and enter the atrium at Government Center as Mayor Jasiel Correia II holds the door open to welcome them. (Row four, left) People Incorporated Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships Robert Canuel and  Vice-President of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships Terry Romanovitch talk before the ceremony begins. (Row four, center and right) RPA Senior Brandon Pryor wears a tee shirt with the City's new motto, "Make It in Fall River" on the back before Principal  Magdalana Reis leads the group in a cheer using the motto. (Bottom row) Principal Reis hugs Middle School Student Jalane before he and Brandon give short speeches and then pose with State Representative Paul Schmid, Brandon Pryor, Principal Reis, Joy'el Williams, Mayor Correia and Dean of Student Support, Robert Correia.