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LIBERTY TWP. — Helping improve the lives of children in Butler County so they can become successful adults starts with a leap.

That was the message delivered Thursday afternoon by Dr. Dennis Embry, a scientist and child psychologist, at the Butler County United Way's "Youth will grow into Successful Adults" summit.

"I encourage you to take a leap to help kids succeed," Embry, chief executive officer and president of the PAXIS Institute in Tucson, Ariz., said to the nearly 100 people at Butler Tech.

"Small things done many times can change one person," he added. "Small things done by many communities can change the world."

Students from Hamilton, Fairfield and Middletown high schools also attended the summit.

Middletown freshmen Josh Jones and Eric Birnbaum were among the volunteers who surveyed students and adults about helping youths become successful adults.

"Students said they want to have teen dances and basketball tournaments," Jones said.

He and Birnbaum said race relations are strained at school and need a solution.

"I'd like to have the diversity issue addressed," Birnbaum said. "There's a lot of racism at school."

The four-hour session, part of the two-day summit, attracted public and private sector leaders interested in children's issues. An all-day session resumes at 7:30 a.m. today at Butler Tech.

County United Way officials partnered with the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and its Middletown chapter, the United Way of Oxford, the Butler County commissioners and the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services to host the event.

The summit will use an open space technique designed for interaction and exchange during discussions among small groups, said facilitator John Steinbach of JP Consultants Inc. in Fort Wayne, Ind.

On Thursday, break-out groups formed to discuss topics that ranged from transportation issues and mentoring to supporting local children emotionally and financially. Discussions will resume today.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2180 or ch

ubbard

@coxohio.com.