My work week varies from the norm just a bit. For most people, the day they most look forward to is Friday. It’s the last day before the weekend. For me, however, Saturday is my Friday, making Sunday my Saturday and Monday my Sunday. (Confused, yet?)

Not only that, Saturday is the day that I sometimes get the chance to come visit with you good people of Suffolk by going to take some pictures at area events. This past Saturday was just such an opportunity. And, as usual — even in the sweltering heat of a June day — I was not disappointed.

My first stop on Saturday was taking pictures at the first-ever Youth Achievement Awards. It was nice to see so many young talented Suffolkians get their due in such a dignified setting. Whether they were athletes, artists, musicians, or a rising star like Melvin Porter, whom I met briefly, all the youths honored at the ceremony exemplified the best of what’s good about the future of Suffolk.

Most impressive for me, however, were the young men who formed the Men of Distinction from Lakeland High School. As winners of the group citizenship award, the Men of Distinction appeared to be young men on paths in life that will be paved with hard work, dignity and respect for themselves and others. In them, I also saw young men learning to stand on their own, while contributing to a group effort. And that is something I can’t help but admire.

After the Youth Achievement awards, I headed over to a gospel concert being held at the Chorey Apartment complex. This was my opportunity to see what southern living is all about — good, old-fashioned hospitality.

It is at events like these that you get the chance to feel and be fed like family. Proudly, though, in the face of heavy slices of delicious pound cake, French fries and fried fish, I maintained some restraint and stuck to the task at hand, taking pictures.

And in doing so, I caught the inspiring praise dancing of LaSheena Harden among other performers.

And sensing those heavy yet undoubtedly tasty vittles at the concert calling me, I made my escape without a calorie to be ashamed of.

By day’s end, I was drained from walking, tired from talking, and once again impressed with Suffolk. So, I’d like to thank you Suffolk for making the last day of my work week better than those other poor saps that just work until Friday.

You Monday-through-Friday types just don’t know what you’re missing on a Suffolk Saturday.