School system to offer leadership program
An exciting program, sponsored by the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, is being planned for Warren County 11th-graders.
Youth Leadership Opportunity Warren County is a leadership development program being designed to provide local emerging and existing youth leaders with the tools to develop leadership skills, influence their school, and contribute to their community.
The purpose is to train students in leadership techniques and community awareness so they may become familiar with current issues, community resources, opportunities, and other factors influencing the direction of Warren County’s future.
An orientation for selected students and their parents will be held Sept. 20, followed by a one-day, team-building retreat Sept. 22. Then, one day each month, from October through March, students will be given a school-sponsored day to attend the monthly leadership class sessions. Graduation for the Youth Leadership Opportunity Warren County class members is planned for April.
The group’s steering committee is chaired by Sandi Hill of Bridgestone Firestone. Warren County High School teachers Monti Hillis and Dawn Cantrell are class sponsors.
Class session topics are varied and include agriculture, tourism, education, business, industry, and history, as well as health, social services, law, and government. Students will participate in many interesting activities and trips related to each of the topics.
Class members will also hear from speakers whose work is directly related to the topic each month. Participants will be required to attend a Warren County Commission meeting, a McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, and a Chamber activity. They may choose to attend either a school board meeting or a city or county Planning Commission meeting.
Finally, class members must complete seven hours of community service, such as volunteering at a local nursing home or the Senior Center, reading a story to an elementary class, or visiting a farm or nursery in Warren County.
Applications for the program may be picked up at Warren County High School on July 25, the scheduled registration day for juniors. The application must be received at the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce or returned to the junior guidance counselor by Aug. 24.
A minimum of 10 students will be selected for this school year. Applicants will be notified of selection by Sept. 7. For more information, call Bonnie Collier at 668-4022 or the Chamber of Commerce at 473-6611.