'Teenshop' hosts essay contest

The service organization offers healthe ducation. Teenshop -- a local community service organization -- hosted its second annual Black History Essay and Oratorical Contest yesterday in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge. The program's goal is to provide teenage girls with educational, social and cultural resources to prevent them from becoming involved with drugs, violence or unwanted pregnancies. Teenshop, founded by local television journalist Elleanor Jean Hendley in 1985, has four total branches in Philadelphia, New Jersey and California. Hendley noted that the program is designed to "keep [teenage girls] busy and make them think about life around them." Eight young women read essays they wrote on black history during the event. And in addition to providing the teenagers with public speaking experience, several of the women also received awards for the best essays. "No matter what profession you are in, you must be able to express yourself," Teenshop Board Member Martha Aikens noted. "It will serve you well no matter what you do." Latanya Goss, a senior at Dobbins High School, said the program has greatly increased her confidence. "When I joined the program five years ago I was a shy, very quiet person," said Goss. "In Teenshop I learned to speak up for myself." Goss added that the program has provided her with many opportunities -- including an appearance on a local television show -- that she would not have otherwise had. The winner of this year's essay contest -- Shelley Laws, a senior from Marleton, N.J. -- discussed the topic, "We have come this far by faith." She received a $250 scholarship which she will put towards attending Swarthmore College this fall. Yesterday's program also honored three pioneering women -- business owner Janice Hughes, local television journalist Trudy Haynes and local radio host Mary Mason -- for their exemplary community work. Hendley noted that each of these women have contributed significantly to establishing and supporting many projects to benefit the community. Teenshop -- which is partially funded by the University -- is an example of Penn's continued commitment to becoming a partner with the Philadelphia community, according to Glenn Bryan, director of the Office of Community Relations. Members of the program attend bi-monthly workshops led by working women who serve as role models and mentors to the girls. The girls also participate in field trips to such places as college campuses to prepare them for their futures after high school. Noting that community involvement is a major component of the program, Aikens said, "We want to instill some type of value regarding community service in the girls."