Clark County Teens Choose Change After Hearing Survivor Stories

When Marlon Rice stood before 60 Clark County teens, he didn't sugarcoat what happened to him 25 years ago. The survivor shared how a shooting left him with physical scars and cost him his fiancée, hoping his pain could save someone else's future.

The Level Up Summit brought together teens currently in the criminal justice system to hear raw, honest stories from people who've lived through gun violence. For many of these young people, the message hit close to home.

One teen at the summit admitted he'd already had a gun pointed at his head. But after hearing the speakers, something shifted. "Getting the perspective and a different outlet is kind of helpful because I feel for me I would be less likely to hurt someone because I wouldn't want to be the one or my family getting hurt due to gun violence," he said.

Pacita Coleman with Clark County's Gang Intervention Team knows these kids aren't lost causes. "A lot of these kids, to be honest, aren't bad kids. They are just misguided," Coleman explained.

The program goes beyond tough talk. UMC Trauma specialists attended to show how they treat gunshot wounds, giving teens a glimpse into emergency rooms they might otherwise see from a hospital bed.

Why This Inspires

The summit proves that honest conversations can change minds. Instead of writing off teens who've made mistakes or fallen into dangerous patterns, Clark County is investing in their futures with truth and compassion.

These aren't lectures or scare tactics. They're real people sharing real consequences, creating moments where teens can pause and reconsider the paths they're on.

The support doesn't end after one event. Starting June 9, the organization is launching late-night recreational programs running through July 31, Tuesday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. across four community centers. Teens will have access to fitness activities, arts programs, basketball, and workshops during the hours when trouble often finds young people.

Sixty teens walked into that summit, and sixty teens walked out with new perspectives and real alternatives to the streets.