Youth Leadership Team Gets Acquainted at Picnic
August 2005

Over hot dogs, fruit drinks, and watermelon, about 20 young teen-agers from different area communities began their journey Aug.15 through the South Shore Marion County Youth Leadership program. As leadership team members, the ninth-graders will get together monthly until the school year ends next spring.

Renee Myers, one of the founders of the project in 2000, said the purpose of the youth leadership program is to motivate and train young leaders to take an active role in their communities.

Adults helping with the program are familiar with the goals of leadership training because many of them are members or alumni of the South Shore Marion County Adult Leadership Team. Advisory Board Co-Chair Myers worked with the previous five youth leadership groups. “One of the main things we hope to accomplish is a team spirit among the students from three different schools,” she said. “It is great to see them as they make new friendships and strengthen them throughout the year.”

Support of the program comes from South Shore Foundation’s $3,500 grant; Entergy and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, which provide instructors, supplies, and facilities; school districts providing transportation and hosting the group one month a year; and local businesses, which also provide speakers, refreshments, and host the group one month a year.

Members of the South Shore Marion County Youth Leadership Team for 2005-06, chosen from their applications through the schools, are: from Bruno-Pyatt school - Liz, Johnny, Christian, Curtis, Tia, Ashley, and Flora; from Flippin school - Helen, Clay, Cotie, Mick, Heather, Silvia, and Blake; from Yellville-Summit school - Tyler, Amber, Danielle, Jesse, Bob, Debbie, and Michelle.

Leadership workshops take the students out of their classrooms and into areas of practical skills like communication, self-confidence, and cooperation with others. The 21 students will be welcomed into the offices of elected officials and local businesses. They’ll visit state government officials and historical sites at Little Rock, and end the year at a “graduation” reception where they’ll give reports to their families and sponsors.