Inspiration. That’s the purpose of the second-annual Youth Prayer Breakfast for area middle-school and high-school students.

The free event begins next week at the Beaufort County Shrine Club. A prayer breakfast is scheduled for each day next week, with a speaker addressing students from 6:50 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. Students may eat breakfast at the club from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

All middle-school and high-school students may attend the event, which runs from Sunday through March 11.

“It’s the second year of the event, with fairly big celebrities coming to talk to the kids,” Lydie Jennings, event coordinator, said.

“This is going to be a wonderful week for all of us, young and old alike,” she said.

Speakers include the Rev. C.L. “Shep” Shepherd, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, who will speak at the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center on East Seventh Street in Washington at 5 p.m. Sunday and at the Monday morning prayer breakfast. Other speakers include a current East Carolina University football player, an American Idol contestant, an artist and a former contestant on “The Bachelorette.”

The prayer breakfasts provide opportunities for the speakers to share their faith with the next generation and to help others learn why it’s important to get involved with youth.

As for Shepherd, despite his many achievements, Shepherd was not satisfied with his life.

He said chasing worldly crowns of fame and money were merely an attempt to attain temporary joy and fulfillment. Currently he is the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chaplain and character coach at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Steve Spence, a linebacker for ECU, is nicknamed “Preacher Man” because of his faith and love of gospel music. Spence said he isn’t afraid to share God’s love with all. Spence speaks Tuesday.

Victoria Huggins, a former “American Idol” contestant, is a 16-year old from St. Pauls, speak Wednesday. She travels nationwide sharing her gospel ministry with the young and young at heart.

Jason Anthony, a former UNC football player, speaker and chalk artist, will share his testimony Thursday. After giving up on football and quitting when he was in grade school, Anthony was approached by someone who helped him find the good in a sport he learned to love again.

Jason Illian, a former contestant on “The Bachelorette,” speaks Friday. Illian is the author of two books, “Undressed: The Naked Truth About Love, Sex and Dating “ and “MyKids: A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Kids and Navigating MySpace.com.”

Illian speaks at 6:45 p.m. March 10 in the fellowship hall at Washington’s First United Methodist Church.

There is a session for adults to help them learn how to help children, Jennings said.

Middle-school students make take advantage of free transportation to P.S. Jones Middle School each school day next week, Jennings said. People who need rides to the Shrine Club should meet at 6:15 a.m. at the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center, the Beaufort County Boys & Girls Club, the corner of Hudnell Street and Pennsylvania Avenue or in the parking lot of the Family Life Center at the Temple of Jesus Christ. Parents must sign release forms for their children to use the transportation service. Release forms are available at area churches and at the transportation table each morning during the event.

The event is sponsored by Community Christian Evens and area churches.

For more information about the event or to volunteer for it, contact Lydie Jennings at 252-975-2383 or 252-943-8184. Donations to help defray costs of the event may be mailed to: Community Christian Events, c/o Will Mayo, 102 W. Second St., Washington, NC 27889.

What students and parents said about last year’s event

“I wish I could do this every morning.” Middle-school student.

“This week has been really great. I just didn’t have the vision of what the week would be like until I actually experienced it.” Parent of middle-school student.

“They (students) were really inspired. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of it. I was so inspired this morning that a few of my students saw me cry. Just an amazing testimony!” Renee Basnight.

“I have just returned from the youth prayer breakfast and all I can say is ‘Wow!’ The speaker was phenomenal, and for 25 minutes I watched as students sat spellbound by his testimony. I wish every student at the school could have heard this! I wish every parent could have heard this! I don’t know about the rest of the speakers, but if everyone is as good as Shep, these kids are in for the week of their lives!” Parent of a student.