23 students graduate in Youth Leadership Class
The 2019 Butler County Youth Leadership Class graduated Tuesday night in Founders Hall of Butler County Community College.
A total of 23 high school juniors graduated from the program after spending four sessions honing leadership skills. About 100 people attended the ceremony.
Stan Kosciuszko, president of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, said the Leadership Butler County Class of 2017 started the program and led its inaugural class last year.
“We're hitting on things that can really build the kids' character,” Kosciuszko said. “We're hoping to also expose them to how nice Butler County is.”
Karen Brackett, a member of the Butler County Youth Leadership Board, said last year's class set a good tone for this year. She hopes the momentum will continue.
“Most of the kids that are in this class were referred to this program from participants from last year's class,” Brackett said. “The fact that there's a buzz around this program in the high schools is a wonderful thing.”
Brackett said this group showed a lot of energy and leadership skills. She said one of the goals of the program is to keep such skills in Butler County.
“We want our young people to not only work in the community but play in our community. It'll help strengthen our community,” Brackett said.
The ceremony included a video that helped explain the program's purpose and goals while giving voice to some of the students who participated this year.The class had its first session in October, where members conducted icebreakers and got a chance to tour Slippery Rock University. The final session was in April.Mark Novad of Slippery Rock High School said visiting the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township was his favorite session. He said he enjoyed getting to know others in the program, especially those outside his own district.“I was nervous to meet people from different schools, but I'm glad I did it,” Mark said.Caroline Ejzak of Knoch High School said the program helped point her toward her future career by exposing her to different professions.“Every time I leave a session, I just feel, I don't know, more confident,” Caroline said.Allison Thomas of Butler High School said she learned a lot from the four sessions and the instructors. She said the program helped expose her to new skills, experiences and career possibilities.“It almost gives you a different view on the world,” Allison said. “It is a great way to experience things you wouldn't experience in your everyday life.”Kosciuszko said this type of program also impacts the adults who volunteer for the program or act as sponsors.“It's a perception-breaker,” Kosciuszko said. “They always tell me, 'Boy, I have faith in the next generation.'”
