In celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Southwest Mississippi Children’s Advocacy Center, the organization is hosting Matthew Sandusky, April 21 at Southwest Mississippi Community College’s Fine Arts Auditorium.

Sandusky will share his story of abuse growing up with his father, former Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky, who is serving 60 years in federal prison for child abuse crimes against his son and a number of children.

“Be the Light” will be an evening of education and awareness, and the Advocacy is hoping the evening will encourage a bigger stand against child abuse. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $10. They may be purchased at PJ’s Coffee, Selman’s Jewelers in McComb and Bank of Brookhaven in Brookhaven. A reception with Sandusky will be held for sponsors at the Lake Dixie Springs home of Jake and Amy Gazzo following the program at 8:30 p.m.

Thanks to generous sponsors, “Be the Light” ticket prices are offered at a great savings for attendees. The event promises to be a sellout with half of the 1,000 tickets sold to date. Sandusky has been featured on 60 Minutes, Public Radio, Oprah’s Soul Series, The Today Show and many other televised programs. McComb Public School students, grades 7-12, will hear Sandusky speak earlier in the day as he teaches them important safeguards, including watching for “grooming” by potential abusers while recognizing abuse can start very early and subtlety.