Charlotte, NC – The Mecklenburg County Health Department, The Male’s Place and Johnson C. Smith University athletic department will honor Charlotte-area young people for setting a good example for their peers. For the twentieth straight year, some of Charlotte’s most deserving youth will be recognized at the Teen Role Model All-Star Basketball Classic, Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20, 2006.

This prestigious event is held every year to celebrate youth from diverse backgrounds whose positive achievements in academics, citizenship and to a lesser extent athletics serve as a template for future role models in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

The Teen Role Model All-Star Classic rosters will be unveiled during a special dinner and press conference Friday, May 19 at 6.p.m. in Johnson C. Smith University’s Grimes Lounge. The tournament itself is from noon until 6.p.m. on Saturday, May 20 in Brayboy Gym.

Teens will be selected to participate in the game after being nominated by their peers, community groups, coaches or teachers. These young people will hopefully encourage those not currently involved in outside activities. Everyone in the community is encouraged to come out and bring a group of friends to celebrate these "model" teenagers and to share in the excitement, fun and other surprises planned for this year’s event.

The Male’s Place is a youth organization within the Mecklenburg County Health Department dedicated to helping teens live up to their potential. It provides support and counseling on male health and development issues including anger management, paternity counseling and pregnancy prevention.

For more information about The Male’s Place, call program director Reggie Singleton at 704-336-6423 or Keith Cradle at 704-336-5337.