| As seen in The Daily Times -- Sunday July 11, 2010 Our Future Leaders Who are our community leaders? Can you name them? Where do you find them? What do they do? Most of us tend to think of government officials or people leading local businesses and Institutions. Let's broaden the definition of community leader a bit. Can you name our future community leaders? Think of someone under the age of 20. If that task seems a bit tougher, I'll let you in on a little secret. Young leaders are engaged in our community and training each other to succeed. They do it through The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA). The YLA is a three day leadership workshop planned by youth for their peers. Aiming primarily at Wicomico County high school students the Youth Leadership Academy aims at undiscovered leaders with the goal of developing their skills and supporting their efforts to improve themselves, their school environments and their community. The YLA is one of the key factors in our community earning the “100 Best Communities for Youth” and "All American Cities." Over the past five years I've gotten to know dozens of youth leaders that make me confident our future is bright. Tianna, Ashley, Sasha, Geet, Derek, Samantha, Jonathan, Dan, Micha, Nkongho and Jerome top the list. Student leaders attending and leading the Youth Leadership academy work together crossing boundaries. Diverse on so many levels; race, religion, culture and even crossing high school allegiances, these young people bond to learn and teach leadership skills.
Where are these leaders now? Some are still here in our high schools. After attending the YLA, Many then join their Student Government Association. Others moved to campuses near and far like UMES, University of Maryland -College Park, Davidson, and Princeton. In existence since 2005, young leaders on the planning team (affectionately known as the Youth Action team or YAT) select a theme for each year. In past years, they explored America's Promises to youth, diversity, global leaders, and Transformation. After a February workshop titled 'Following Your Dreams", this year's theme emerged: Navigating Success. Carrying that theme forward, the YAT developed their formula for the three days: GPS. Goals+Plans=Success. The Youth Leadership Academy is July 27-29 at Salisbury University. Thanks to o dedicated group of adults and sponsors, the YLA is free to students in 8th through 12th grade. Space is still available for interested young leaders. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 410-543-6369 if you want to join us this summer. Paula Morris is the founder of Kids of Honor, an award winning organization recognized for encouraging its participants to graduate from high school.
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This project is partially funded through the Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children, the Local Management Board for Wicomico County, with funding from the Governor’s Office for Children/Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund.
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Editorial Feature -- Kids of Honor® and The Youth Leadership Academy
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