Youth leadership gets next lesson
A select group of students from six county school districts learned Tuesday about using body language in the professional world as part of a youth leadership program.
Now in its third year, the Butler County Youth Leadership program offers specialized training for high school juniors from each of the school districts in Butler County. This year, 32 students representing six area school districts and North Catholic High School in Cranberry Township will meet with government and business leaders in the county and take part in workshops designed to help them develop skills for the rest of their lives.
The program was developed by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Leadership Butler County class through a collaboration between local education, nonprofit and business leaders. The mission is to provide students with exposure to issues, resources and service opportunities throughout Butler County.
The class also aims to ensure participants become enlightened and contributing members of the community by educating them on the concept of “community leadership” and skills required of an effective community leader.
“I thought it was great,” said Sarah Fiorina, a 16-year-old from Butler Senior High School. “I wanted to get involved with the community and grow my leadership skills. These are lifelong traits that you carry with you. They're easier to learn at a young age.”
Fiorina said she wants to become an elementary school teacher.
On Tuesday morning, Fiorina and the other students learned how to exude confidence and affability through body language.
Tammy Manko, director of the career and professional development center at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, explained to students how maintaining eye contact and smiling helps make a strong impression.
Using images of Superman and Superwoman's posture, Manko demonstrated the importance of body language. She also advised students not to cross their arms or, if standing, their legs because the simple gesture communicates a defensive stance. Instead, she said to use a strong, firm handshake and to stand tall and straight.
“Don't be wimpy with your handshake,” she said.
Manko also emphasized the importance of having a positive outlook on the world, telling students that attitude is everything. Having a positive attitude, according to Manko, helps people develop emotional resilience to handle tough situations.
“This is a phenomenal program. Every school district should be doing something in this realm,” Manko said after her presentation. “It's more important than ever. If they know what their goals are, it helps them stick to the path and succeed.”
The program is a student version of the chamber's own Leadership Butler County program for adults. To get into the program, students submit applications through their school administrator to be considered. Then, two or three students from each of the school districts are selected each spring for the class that begins in the fall semester of their junior year. The class consists of two sessions held each semester during regular school hours. There is no cost to the school district.
The program began Oct. 1 with an introductory session. There, students were introduced to each other, engaged in team building exercises and other activities, and learned different aspects of leadership.
