Dec. 15, 1997 Contact Gaye Vandermyn (541) 346-3133 Source: Marjorie DeBuse, director of Saturday Academy, (541) 346-3084 EUGENE--Middle school can be a tough time, as many of us who have lived through it know. Fortunately for Lane County middle school girls, a University of Oregon special conference on Saturday, Feb. 28, is aimed at helping girls in this age group--and their helpers. "Success in the Middle" is a conference for parents, educators and service providers as well as girls in grades six, seven and eight, presented in conjunction with the UO Center for the Study of Women in Society's research symposium, "Girls, Generations and Globalization." Sponsors include the Lane County Saturday Academy, the Eugene School District and Girls, Inc. A pre-conference "Girls Night Out!" on Friday, Feb. 27, will help girls of all ages explore what it has meant to be a girl in the past few decades. A female rock group, "Babes with Axes," will perform songs from the `50s and `60s, rewritten to reflect today's young ladies, and a theater group made up of high school girls will perform a special drama about issues facing girls today. Oregon State Sen. Susan Castillo will moderate the Friday night event at the UO Casanova Athletic Center, 2727 Leo Harris Parkway. At the Saturday conference, girls in grades six, seven and eight will have the chance to bond with friends through theater and music. In workshops and social settings at Willamette Hall, 1371 E. 13th Ave., and other nearby campus sites, girls will be encouraged to seek answers to what it means to be a girl in the `90s. In the morning, the young women can choose among eight workshops on topics such as boosting confidence, becoming leaders, resolving conflict and handling family relationships. Afternoon activities focus on careers, and students can select on-campus options or off-campus visits to local businesses. Students may choose to visit a local dentist's office, learn about computational science or even go to Creswell to learn about becoming a pilot. In all cases, they will see women role models at work in professional or business careers. For the counselors, parents and educators, the conference offers a presentation by Sharon Thompson, nationally recognized authority on adolescent girls, who also will lead a panel of local experts. In other panels, young college women will reflect on their experiences as middle school graduates. Thompson's book, "Going All the Way," other books and information about resources in Lane County will be offered. Organizations that support girls, such as the Girl Scouts, will be present to talk with students and adults. The Lane County Saturday Academy is still looking for volunteers and sponsors to help with the conference. For further information and ticket prices, call (541) 346-3084. -30- #P-1085/Local