HIGH POINT, N.C., June 30, 2015 – Guilford County teens spent 10 days giving back to the community and honing their leadership skills at the Youth Leadership Academy, hosted by High Point University and the High Point Police Department on June 15-26.
The students were selected for the academy, which was hosted on the HPU campus, by exhibiting exceptional responsibility and interest in being leaders throughout the school year. During their 10 days together, students volunteered at area organizations and learned from local leaders. The goal was to teach the students how to build confidence and self-esteem, identify personal interests and strengths, and set goals.
“High Point’s University is proud to partner with and underwrite the HPPD in their efforts to develop the future leaders of our city,” says Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU President. “The Youth Leadership Academy demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships focused on enhancing our community. I’m inspired by our professionals in uniform and these young people, their ideas, and their optimism. They remind me that our future is bright.”
Students visited the Material Recovery Center, HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center, Genesis Health Care Facility, Fort Bragg, City Hall, Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, High Point Police Department Range, High Point Fire Department, Open Door Ministries, West End Ministries and Hospice of the Piedmont. They also heard from guest speakers Dr. Joe Blosser, HPU Robert G. Culp Jr. director of service learning and assistant professor of religion and philosophy; Bobby Lloyd, 2014 Hall of Fame Inductee wrestling coach; Steve Snyder, martial artist; Jermaine Porter, assistant principal at Andrews High School; Bob Christina, principal at High Point Central High School; and other community leaders.
The students prepared lunches for Open Door Ministries, a non-profit organization that works to prevent and end hunger and homelessness in the city of High Point. After preparing lunches, they served them to the people in need at Open Door Ministries.
“It is such a gratifying feeling to give back to the community,” says Lindsey York, Youth Leadership Academy student. “It makes you realize how fortunate you are and some of these people haven’t eaten in days. We need to be grateful for everything that we do have.”
West End Ministries is a nonprofit organization that gives much to the people of High Point – emergency assistance, childcare, life skills education, a shelter for women and more. The Youth Leadership students spent an afternoon spreading mulch on a playground at West End that previously was not up to code.
“The academy has been a valuable experience that has taught me many lifelong lessons such as respect, responsibility and determination,” says Morgan Smith, Youth Leadership Academy student.
“Being a good leader is about doing what’s right, not because people are watching, but because it’s the right thing to do,” says Alayna Patel, Youth Leadership Academy student.
To thank the people that made the academy possible, the students wrote thank you notes to the people and organizations they visited during the academy.
“To have a partnership with High Point University for the Youth Leadership Academy is such a great feeling,” says Petula Sellars, Lieutenant for the HPPD. “My vision was to have our students exposed to a university environment in an attempt to get them excited about college and to focus on preparing for their future. Our students were excited and eager to arrive at the university each day while giving back to the community.”