Submitted PhotoHigh school Teen Explosion students participate in a community service project in this August 2017 file photo. Teen Explosion hosts an event later this month.

VALDOSTA — Members of Teen Explosion will soon burst with awareness at an event scheduled for 5 p.m., Aug. 28, Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center.

The anti-drug prevention group will work the catwalk during the 22nd Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction themed “50 Shades of Fashion.”

“We need the help and support of the community to create a better drug-free environment and change lives,” Suzette Davis, co-director, said.

Established in 1996, Teen Explosion serves sixth to 12th graders year-round and teaches them how to also be anti-alcohol and anti-tobacco, Davis said.

The program is a branch of the Hahira-Lowndes County Community Outreach Development Corporation. It builds confidence and verses teens in community service projects, Davis said.

“Since I’ve been on board, we have had our graduates of the program to go on to secondary education and be admitted into college,” she said.

Co-Director Helen Lester said she decided to get involved with Teen Explosion due to the lessons taught to students in the organization, lessons the teens recite to peers.

“They go out and tell their peers about what drugs will do to them, the consequences of doing drugs,” she said.

Proceeds from the four-hour fundraiser will benefit Teen Explosion’s summer programs and Camp Learn-a-Lot, a second organization under the umbrella of the outreach development corporation.

Models will don authentic African attire donated by Valdosta State University’s Enactus Kultured Kampus International Business Project, Davis said.

The fundraiser will also be held in partnership with Guide, Inc., and Georgia Teen Institute of Lawrenceville, Davis said.

Items to be auctioned include a perfume basket, flower pots, homemade cakes, make-up products, original art pieces, clothing and shoes. Light refreshments will be available.

“We’re asking the community to come out and support our young people,” Lester said.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Diggidees, 118A Northside Drive, or by calling Davis, (229) 977-3800.

Visit Teen Explosion on Facebook to learn more. The group is also on Instagram at We Are Teen Explosion. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.