120 High School Freshmen Receive Leadership Training at Nichols
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Students pack Davis Hall |
Nichols students helped train: Larissa O'Rourke, Danny Tamayo, and Alyssa Chase. |
"Be the Change!" was the theme of the third annual START Youth Leadership Conference on the Nichols College campus June 7th and 8th. Over 120 students participated from 82 high schools throughout New England in the 2-day residential experience which included exercises in identity building, leadership and goal setting.
Charlton native Katelyn Weymouth, who lost both her feet to bacterial meningitis, gave a motivational presentation on overcoming obstacles, and diversity trainers Al and Keith Toney of Worcester, provided an interactive session on assertiveness, rights and acceptance.
Nichols Professor Luanne Proko presented a session on personal responsibility using social networking sites such as Face Book. For a "difference-maker project," students completed an energy audit of Nichols' buildings facilitated by "green" Architect Brian Baer, principal of the Baer Architectural Group, and Lauren Nutter, program coordinator for SustainUS, a non-profit youth group addressing ecological issues.
Nichols College Vice President of Administration Susan Tellier has been the driving force in launching the START program with co-sponsor Dr. James Fitzgerald of the Student Leadership Training Program.
"Special thanks goes to Subway of Dudley and Domino's Pizza on Lake Street in Webster for providing dinner for START staff during training sessions," says Tellier, "and to Sodexo for providing dining services for attending students."
"It was a pleasure to again host this Conference," adds Tellier, "and it was a very special group of students. They eagerly embraced the leadership concepts, asked very intelligent questions, and worked well in their teams. I believe that our country will be in excellent hands when these students reach the workforce."
To view START video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAaNp1RFqn8 ( by C. Snell)