Teen's birthday party proves inspirational

as a birthday party every inspired you? I've been lots of things at lots of birthday parties over the years, but this week I was inspired.

Alex Lowrie, a junior at Havelock High School, hosted a "Get Inspired to Get Involved" theme party for her 17th birthday on Friday.

She chose three charities to support and then went about the task of planning a birthday bash. Held at the Carolina Colours Pavilion and catered by The Chelsea, the dinner benefit was planned perfectly. There were Christian bands and speakers from the three organizations.

The tables were decorated with student art work that was auctioned to raise additional funds. The teen helpers who volunteered as waiters and waitresses were exceptional. The teens who came to support the causes were dressed in their best attire because they knew this was a special event.

Noticeably absent was a birthday cake, balloons or even a birthday banner. All of the attention was placed on the organizations Alex wanted to help. The entire night gave humility new meaning.

It was a truly inspiring event for me on so many levels. The room was full of people of all ages, but especially teens.

Watching a room full of teens inspired enough to try and make difference was inspirational in and of itself. But to think of one teen who could with her humble and selfless attitude set such an amazing example for others was beyond words for me.

Every week you read my columns and you know how much I want for this generation of teens. I want them to reach their dreams, accomplish their goals and change the world.

I want them to choose to stay sober and goal oriented.

I want them to learn that the joy in life is not about what you get but what you give.

As I sat watching Alex that night, I thought to myself that fire she has right now is what I wish for every single teen on the planet.

You can call that fire lots of things - faith, hope, motivation, leadership and 1,000 other names. A fire that makes you move and try to make a difference is a fire that can spread through others.

We took several incoming freshmen with us to the benefit dinner. We wanted them to see that high school is a place where dreams really begin.

We wanted them to see that one person - one 17-year-old person - can make a difference.

We wanted them to see that there are people who want to contribute and want to use their gifts to make this crazy world a better place.

They saw all of those things and more.

Alex not only made a difference in the lives of people served by the three organizations, but also she made a difference in the lives of each person in the room. I estimated about 200 lives.

Imagine if each of those 200 individuals left that benefit dinner and spread that fire they felt that night to 200 more people. It's easy to see how one person can change the world.

So, I dedicate this column to one of the most inspirational teens I have ever met - Alex Lowrie.

If you missed her "Get Inspired to Get Involved" benefit dinner, make plans to attend next year. But don't wait until next year to "Get Inspired to Get Involved." Make that your personal birthday gift for Alex.

Happy birthday, Alex, and God bless.

Kim Smith is a member of the Craven County Board of Education and the mother of two daughters. She can be reached at kimricesmith@embarqmail.com.