'The UpRISING' aimed at helping teens make good choices, rise above
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, at center, The Center's Jeff Wike discusses ideas for an upcoming event, The UpRISING, aimed at encouraging teens to make good choices and, they hope, build better relationships with Christ. Below, from left, Andrew Vanderford and Trent Boston participate in a weekly meeting to plan the details of the October 7 event.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
An event aimed at motivating and inspiring local youths is gaining momentum and excitement across Whitley County.
TheUpRISING ’09 is slated for Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 6 p.m. in the Newell Rice Auditorium at Columbia City High School. Admission is free.
Nationally-recognized Christian urban pop artist K.D. Johnson is the keynote speaker and performer for the event, bringing his “Re-Evaluation Project” to Whitley County in hopes of urging youths to take a closer look at their character and making changes if needed. 
“It’s about rising above and making good choices,” said Chris Lagoni who is among the group of local Christian adults and youth leaders helping to plan the event.
Utilizing various modes of technology and communication, the grassroots marketing of the event has really taken off in recent weeks.
In addition to Johnson’s performance, the event will also feature several well-known regional Christian bands including Forevermore and Trent Boston & The Difference Band.
The event will be open to high school students attending Columbia City High School, Whitko High School and Churubusco High School.
“We’re shooting in the dark,” said The Center director Jeff Wike of expectations about attendance for the event. Already, more than 50 have confirmed their attendance online. “We’re just going to have to make an educated guess,” Wike said.
They are planning to provide the Book of John to the first 75-100 youths in attendance at the evening program. Additionally, copies of the Bible will be available as well.
“I think we are promoting it better than we could promote anything,” Trent Boston said. Boston and a group of local youth pastors have been visiting local high schools and events, handing out fliers, shirts and bracelets to get the word out about the event. A promotional video is in the works and a website has been created to promote the event. Additionally, a presence for the event has been created on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
Thus far, those planning the event have received support from the HANDS Foundation for promotional support, The Center’s outreach funds, SADD chapters from local schools as well as the youth leaders of many local churches.
Youth leaders of various churches are participating and planning after events at their churches in hopes of providing additional outreach to youths who, after attending the convocation, realize they’d like to embark on further religious discovery and introspection – if that’s something the students are interested in pursuing.
“We’d like to connect them with a group of believers of some sort,” said Andrew Vanderford, who is helping to plan the event.
“Definitely, there needs to be a relatively immediate and personal approach,” said Wike. Wike hopes that youths will reconnect with churches where they already have a relationship or make a connection with a new faith home.
For more information, visit the website at www.theuprisingevent.com