7th Annual Teens Summit

Thank you for Making the 2026 Teens for Courage Summit Truly Transformative

 The Teens for Courage community extends our heartfelt gratitude to every student, educator, presenter, district partner, volunteer, parent, and guardian who helped make this year's Summit an unforgettable experience. With more than 600 students and 90 chaperones and adult leaders from across the region, the 2026 Summit demonstrated the power of youth leadership and the collective commitment to preventing interpersonal violence.

 This year's theme -- "Less Performative; More Transformative" -- guided every moment of the day. It challenged us to move beyond symbolic gestures and into meaningful action. It reminded us that real change doesn't happen because we talk about courage; it happens because we practice it. Throughout the Summit, students did exactly that: they learned, they engaged, they questioned, they collaborated, and they stepped into their roles as advocates for safer, stronger communities.

To our TFC Board of Directors, our corporate and community presenters, and our dedicated partners from Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools, Chester County Schools, Fort Mill School District, Iredell‑Statesville Schools, Union County Schools, and the many chaperones and volunteers who showed up with energy and purpose -- thank you. Your leadership and support made this teen‑led movement come alive.

To the parents and guardians who encouraged participation, supported early mornings, asked questions, and trusted us with your young leaders -- thank you. Your belief in their voices and your commitment to their growth are foundational to the work we do. You help make transformation possible.Teens for Courage Summit signature Emcee, Josiah Russell, who brought the hype and inspired many throughout the day, our DJ Wildcard who always keeps the mood up and Carowinds, our event host partner for the past seven years.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in transformation. And thank you for choosing courage.

Congratulations to Ben Vargara of Palisades High School and Deloris Hamrick of West Charlotte High School, our 2026 Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Scholarship Winners

For Those Who Attended - Thank You for Showing Up With Courage
Your voices, your questions, your energy, and your willingness to learn made this Summit powerful. You are the reason Teens for Courage exists, and you are the reason this movement continues to grow.