JOHNSTOWN —
Area high school students are leading the way to a brighter future.
As a way to promote leadership potential in youth, The Tribune-Democrat, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, AmeriCorps-Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps, Windber Area School District and Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley Inc. hosted a leadership seminar Wednesday at the Heritage Discovery Center.
The main objective was to help high school students become better problem-solvers, innovators, collaborators and communicators, while also brainstorming ideas on ways to better the community.
“The students were chosen by their schools based on their leadership potential,” said Angie Berzonski, program and communications officer with the Community Foundation. “This gives them an opportunity to think regionally more than just focusing on their own school district.”
Students from Bishop Carroll, Bishop McCort, Central Cambria, Conemaugh Township Area, Conemaugh Valley, Ferndale Area, Forest Hills, Greater Johnstown, Johnstown Christian, Portage Area, Richland, Westmont Hilltop and Windber Area participated in the event with each school sending four sophomores, four juniors and one senior.
Business and community leaders served as facilitators and worked in small groups with the students where they discussed topics such as community issues, leadership/service, peer pressure, education/employment and resources/support.
Afterward, the students presented their findings to the group.
Collin Imler, a senior at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, said being a part of the seminar was an amazing opportunity.
“I met a lot of great people,” he said.
His group focused on community issues and chose the saying, “highlight the good,” and discussed the importance of youth groups and volunteerism.
“There’s lots of good going on but you don’t always hear about it,” Collin said.
Abby Walker said meeting new people and hearing their thoughts on the Johnstown area was interesting and a good experience.
“It’s an opportunity to get our opinions out and see how we as a younger generation can help,” said the Central Cambria High School junior. “I think we have a better understanding of what we’ll be faced with when we are out there in the world by ourselves.”
Michelle Tokarsky, managing member at Silverman, Tokarsky, Forman & Hill, said she got the impression after talking with her group that they welcome the idea of collaborating with students from other districts to share ideas and concerns.
“We have a great group of kids here,” she said. “You think you know kids, but you gain insight if you really listen.”
It’s the goal of seminar organizers to see this event continue so more young people’s voices can be heard.
“These students are our future and we have to nurture that and keep moving forward and all work together,” Berzonski said.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Bill McKinney, president and CEO of the Laurel Highlands United Way, works with area students during The Tribune-Democrat's first youth yeadership seminar on Wednesday at JAHA's Heritage Discovery Center. John Rucosky
Discussion
VIDEO | Local high schoolers flex leadership skills at youth seminar
- Tribune-Democrat News Slideshow
- Latest News
-
-
Jobs outlook good for area
Where will the jobs be in 2020? The long-range outlook is positive for the local area.
-
Assaults prompt prison lockdown
State Correctional Institution-Somerset is expected to resume normal operations today after being in lockdown since Thursday, authorities said.
-
Little local reaction to Scouts’ gay vote
Thursday’s vote by the Boy Scouts of America to open their ranks to openly gay boys for the first time may have rocked the national council’s annual conference in Grapevine, Texas, but local Scout leaders say there has been little reaction here.
-
Blacklick Valley district eyes geothermal system
Blacklick Valley School District might tap into the energy buried under the earth’s surface to heat and cool its elementary school.
-
City police charge suspect in Solomon Homes stabbing
The weeklong search for the person who allegedly stabbed a man inside a Johnstown public housing complex ended Friday when the suspect surrendered to police.
-
- Local News
-
- District Deaths May 26, 2013
-
Jobs outlook good for area
Where will the jobs be in 2020? The long-range outlook is positive for the local area.
-
Assaults prompt prison lockdown
State Correctional Institution-Somerset is expected to resume normal operations today after being in lockdown since Thursday, authorities said.
-
Little local reaction to Scouts’ gay vote
Thursday’s vote by the Boy Scouts of America to open their ranks to openly gay boys for the first time may have rocked the national council’s annual conference in Grapevine, Texas, but local Scout leaders say there has been little reaction here.
-
Blacklick Valley district eyes geothermal system
Blacklick Valley School District might tap into the energy buried under the earth’s surface to heat and cool its elementary school.
- Sports
-
Pittsburgh Penguins' Kris Letang, center, celebrates with teammates Jussi Jokinen, left, and Tyler Kennedy after his goal during the second period in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in their NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Ottawa Senators, Friday, May 24, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
-
Penguins rip Senators, move to conference finals
The Pittsburgh Penguins expected desperation.
-
Surprising Pirates enjoying early success
Jason Grilli gets it. Really, he does.
-
Estrada, Brewers cool off Pirates
Marco Estrada gave up one run over seven innings and Alex Gonzalez had a two-run double, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
-
Penguins look to close out Senators
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson isn’t quite ready for the traditional season-ending handshake.
-
Bell wants to answer call in Steelers backfield
Le’Veon Bell wants the ball in his hands. Always.
-
Penguins rip Senators, move to conference finals
- Features
-
-
Religion in brief | Cloud of Grace concert at Hopewell
Cloud of Grace will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Hopewell United Methodist Church, off Route 601 between Boswell and Jerome.
- Events | Honoring veterans
- Toe-tapping music | Jazz Along the River kicks off Friday at St. Mary’s in Cambria City
-
Religion in brief | Cloud of Grace concert at Hopewell
- Lifestyles
-
-
Pa. Turnpike to install electric car charging stations
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will take a "leap of faith" with its new electric-vehicle charging stations.
- ACLU threatens legal action against Red Lion School District in transgender case
- Baseball, ice cream make winning combination
-
Pa. Turnpike to install electric car charging stations
- Multimedia
-
-
VIDEO | Sci-Fi expo connects with fans
The Force is strong with Casey Bassett.
In two years of feverish planning and laborious love, the 24-year-old has roughly tripled the size of his homegrown geek convention, Sci-Fi Valley Con, being held this year at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona. Today is the 2013 convention’s final day. - VIDEO | Deer gets on, off city bus
- VIDEO | Bards behind bars
-
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault
Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine
Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan
Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
