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Thank you to all who attended this year's conference, pre-conference chapter training, Board and committee meetings and ThinkFirst Celebration! Session presentations scored very high on attendee evaluations, and everyone came away with current information, innovative program ideas and motivation for the next year! Holly Watson-Evans opened with a dynamic presentation on the teen brain titled "Dude, That is One Sweeet Synapse!", Secretary of State Jesse White discussed Illinois' model GDL program, Dr. Gail Rosseau discussed neurosurgeon advocacy for ThinkFirst chapters in other countries, a teen panel brought first-hand insight to Keepin' It Real, and Patricia Pippert of P2 Enterprises energized us with presentation skills workshops-just to name a few of the highlights (see the schedule-ALL were terrific!).
The Hyatt Lodge provided a lovely setting that was particularly conducive to networking, with meals, breaks and registration directly outside the session areas. The Monday evening Meet and Greet brought us out on the patio for a wine and cheese reception, giving us a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and meet new members and guests. Tuesday evening's ThinkFirst Celebration! was attended by an additional 50 invited guests and volunteers, giving the Chicagoland ThinkFirst advocates and those new to ThinkFirst a chance to learn about our organization and meet our chapter members. Awards were presented and the new teen film, Think About Your Choices was unveiled, with the help of invited guest and Peter Wilderotter, of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Thank you to our sponsors, and to all who attended, donated silent auction items, purchased items and raffle tickets, volunteered, and worked on the conference committee to make this a very successful conference! Please tentatively mark your calendars for June 13-16, 2009, with an evening Celebration! on the 15th - please watch the website for information on next year's location, dates and registration.
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