Students embark on leadership program

Thirty-two high school juniors from Flathead Valley high schools have been chosen as members of the 2013-14 class of Leaders of Tomorrow, a program designed to develop leadership skills and teach participants more about their communities.

The Leaders of Tomorrow program is sponsored by the United Way and managed by a local advisory council of volunteers.

Selection is based on interests and involvement, leadership history, prior community service and future goals.

The newly selected members of this year’s class, by high school are:

Bigfork High School: Cienna Degele, Courtney George, Rosalie Lander and Alexandra Moore.

Columbia Falls High School: Conner Bowman, Ty Morgan and Colter Norick.

Flathead High School: Camas Carlson, Ali Fetveit, Eli Frandsen, Jenna Jensen, Steele Jochim, Tia Kohs, Jade LeGassey, Sarah Seynei, Cade Thurston, Austin Webb and Danielle Zuzuero.

Glacier High School: Andy Bemis, Lydia Dal Nogare, Wyatt Germann, Caleb Krier, Shelbi Kusler, Miranda Leese, Melissa Lovejoy, Makenzie Mertz, Kayla Russell and Jaqueline Stenberg.

Stillwater High School: Grady Hayden, Amanda Kauffman and Daniel Lambert.

Whitefish High School: Keaton Grove.

Leaders of Tomorrow students spend one day a month in the program, beginning in September and running through May. The program gives students opportunities to meet with community leaders and develop friendships with students from other high schools. Each day is a school-sponsored absence. After completing the program, students have the option to serve on boards and committees as part of their commitment to Leaders of Tomorrow.

Leadership sessions include tours, panels and demonstrations as well as personal interaction in areas such as government, arts and culture, business and industry, law enforcement, health care and volunteer and civic activities. The program includes a trip to Helena in the spring, where participants will learn about state government.

 Leaders of Tomorrow is one of many local programs that benefit from the generosity of donors to the annual United Way fund drive, as well as corporate sponsors who specifically support this program.

For more information on Leaders of Tomorrow, contact the United Way at 752-7266.