9:00 - 10:00 am

Opening Ceremonies starts with an exciting performance to wake everyone up; last year the Indian dance group Mudra Dance Studio welcomed attendees to the conference.

Conference Scholarship
After the performance and short introductions by school and conference officials, we award a $500 scholarship for post-high school studies to well-deserving conference attendees. The 2008 recipients were Katherine Moore and Ivy Reyes for their involvement in diversity issues and activities within their local communities.

For information on applying for the 2009 Conference Scholarship, visit the scholarship information page.

Human Rights Award
Also at this time the Conference announces the Human Rights Award, given to one person or organization in the community for their work with young people.

The 2008 recipient of this Award was Denver Urban Ministries, a non-profit organization that meets people in crisis through outreach services, develops self-sufficiency through job services, strengthens the community through advocacy, and fosters awareness and growth through urban education.

Keynote Speaker
Each year our Executive Committee works hard to identify and invite a notable public speaker to address the conference during opening ceremonies. In 2008 Dr. María Guajardo, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children in Denver, addressed our conference. For more information about Dr. Guajardo, visit the "Diversity-Related Speakers and Performance Groups" thread in the Resources and Forum section of this website.

Next: Discussion Groups & Lunch