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Stacy Mauer
A select group of Walker County students will get a lesson in leadership Wednesday.
The Walker County Chamber’s education committee has created a youth leadership academy — modeled after its own leadership program for adults.
The student session at the Bank of LaFayette Community Room will educate the group on government, public service and finances, and will acquaint students with peers from other schools in the county.
“Even though students are so globally connected and electronically aware, the younger students are not really aware of local, state and federal governments or who their representatives are, what they do and the purpose of community services,” said Elaine Womack, spokeswoman for Walker County Schools.
She said students at one end of the county often are not aware of their counterparts elsewhere in the county.
Speakers for the academy range from Chamber representatives to elected officials to former Olympic athlete Chris Bono, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga wrestling coach.
The goal is to give middle and high school students insight into networking and leadership, Ms. Womack said. A reality activity will let participants act out real-life scenarios and make decisions based on finances and family.
There were 43 students selected for the training, based on essays they wrote and with input from graduation coaches at their schools to attract students with unrealized potential.
“We want some of those kids who are good students but might not be student council president now,” Ms. Womack said.
Chamber President Stacy Mauer is among the presenters.
“I will talk to them about the importance of giving back to your community, and starting at an early age,” Mrs. Mauer said.
Cassy Clendenen, 14, a freshman at Gordon Lee High School, said she’s excited to be one of two chosen from her class.
Cassy said she plans to be a teacher, wants to help the homeless and hopes to improve her leadership skills.
“Maybe it will give me more courage to do stuff,” she said, like run for a leadership position in Key Club.
Cassy also wants to learn about finances, to “be prepared so you won’t be so in the dark.”
