Zion Greenbelt Hosts College and Career Readiness Fair
Zion Greenbelt hosted The Dream U College and Career Fair Experience on Oct. 19 with the goal of helping over 200 local students prepare and plan for their futures.
“We are thrilled to offer the Dream U 2024 experience to our local youth,” said Pastor Randy Pike Zion Church’s Global Youth Ministry Pastor and OffScript Youth Ministry Director. “Our goal is to inspire and equip the next generation with the tools they need to achieve their dreams.”
Institutions such as Morgan State University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University and Tennessee State University, along with agencies like NASA and the USDA, were on site to provide information for student attendees.
“The faith community can make higher education more accessible by providing mentorship, guidance, and resources to prospective applicants. Dream Catalyst offers educational workshops and scholarship opportunities, while also connecting students with networks of support within the congregation,” said Derhun Sanders and Rhodesia Dabney, mentorship program co-leads for Dream Catalyst. “As faith leaders, we emphasize the value of education, encouraging students to pursue it as part of their personal and spiritual growth. This creates an environment where higher education feels attainable and supported.”
The 66th Washington International Horse Show Highlights Equestrian Culture for All Ages
Upper Marlboro’s Showplace Arena hosted the 66th annual Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), drawing competitors from across the world to one of the most prestigious and exciting equestrian sporting events in North America from Oct. 20 to Oct. 26.
With more than 500 competitors participating and thousands of guests, the event brings upwards of $9 million to the local economy, according to WIHS President Vicki Lowell.
“Equestrian sport has a rich history in Prince George’s County, and the horse industry is still a major part of what makes this area special,” said Lowell.
Lowell said she also sees “Kids Day,” when children have an opportunity to ride a horse or pony just outside of the arena, as a way to give back to the community.
Some of the sponsors of the WIHS included Delta Airlines, Snickers, Experience Prince George’s, and Sotheby’s.
“For our area, the WIHS is something we look forward to with great excitement. It is one of the only times during the year that kids and adults, professionals and amateurs can come together and see our heroes of the sport compete on some of the top horses in, not only the country, but the world,” said Paul Turner, the head trainer, instructor and owner of Turner Equestrian, which operates out of Marlboro Ridge Equestrian Center.
Sharing that his favorite part of the annual show is Barn Night, where local barns come to represent during a costumed show jumping contest, Turner emphasized that WIHS has entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
“This competition has something for everyone, from the top ponies and pony riders to Olympians, past and future, world cup riders and the most beautiful hunters jumping around courses that we, as riders, dream of jumping.”
