HIGH POINT, N.C., June 30, 2016 – Teens in the High Point community are preparing for their graduation from the Youth Leadership Academy, hosted by the High Point Police Department and High Point University, Friday at 6 p.m. on HPU’s campus. These teens have spent this 10-day academy giving back to the community and developing their leadership skills.
“This academy has been great for me,” said Jenoah McKiver, Leadership Academy participant. “The police department picked students from each school in the area and I was happy to be one of those chosen. We have spent the past couple of weeks doing great things for the community. I love being able to help others in such an impactful way.”
The students visited Kersey Valley, Festival Park, City Hall, High Point Police Department, Genesis Health Care Facility, Salvation Army, Fort Bragg, Hanging Rock State Park, HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center, Open Door Ministries and City Lake Park in Jamestown. Each visit was focused on leadership development and service to their community.
“I have loved being able to see different parts of High Point and North Carolina that I have never seen before,” said Lauren Hays, Leadership Academy participant. “It has definitely opened my eyes and heart that there are different parts of people that you don’t see unless you really get involved within the community.”
On Wednesday, 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, and served them to the people in need there.
“This program is something that will impact anyone in a positive way,” said Sarah Maines, Leadership Academy participant. “I have made a lot of friends, and because of this, I am now looking at the community in a different way. I see the community as a place that I can help and contribute to. I am grateful to be a part of this program.”
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.
“I think this academy is going to have a lifelong impact on these teens,” said Petula Sellars, Lieutenant for the HPPD. “It is showing them the importance of giving back to the community. Not only are they seeing the importance of giving back, but they are involved in the actions of giving back, and I think that will have the biggest impact on them when they leave the academy. The High Point Police Department is so grateful to have a partnership with HPU. It is great that we are able to expose all of these kids to this academy and have many kids that are waiting to participate.”