Wednesday's sixth annual Courage to Stand Day was an opportunity to talk about the challenges young people must handle as they grow up.
Greater Sudbury Police Chief Paul Pedersen said the event stands out because it's young people who are behind it.
"The Courage to Stand event is really fantastic and unique, because it's built by kids, for kids," Pedersen said. "It's a cross section of young leaders from across the City of Greater Sudbury that really pull together what matters to them."
Hosted by the Greater Sudbury Police Service Chief’s Youth Advisory Council, the event was held in the Upper Hall at the Caruso Club.
The purpose was to encourage young people to stand for what is "right" when relating to one another, and to address the stress that comes as students move from secondary school to post-secondary school, the trades, or the world of work.
"The theme this year was that transition from high school to the rest of life — whether it's to post-secondary education, or to work, and the stressors that come with it," Pedersen said.
He was joined at the event by police board chair Fran Caldarelli, who welcomed the group. A representative from the office of Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger read the “Courage to Stand” Day proclamation.
Four students representing Grade 11 or 12 from each secondary school were invited, representing all four local school boards.
Debbie Digby, Sudbury & District Health Unit, was the keynote speaker and talked about stress and how to handle it. The students also learned a little yoga, a little Zumba, and heard from a panel who shared their stories of transition.
