The first WCYL Class members are shown from left to right as follows: First row: Ashley Ringler, CCHS and Dylan Cozad, WHS. Second row: Rachael Fehring, CHS, Morgan Young, CHS, Haleigh Gross, CHS. Third Row: Connor Reed, CCHS, Wesley Gensch, WHS, Christopher Uecker, CHS, Ethan Smith, CCHS Brandon Nettrouer, WHS, and Sam Spencer, CCHS.

High school sophomores representing Churubusco, Columbia City and Whitko High Schools met in November for the first ever Whitley County Youth Leadership Class.  The program is designed to teach and strengthen servant leadership skills to students who have been selected by their guidance counselors and principals to participate. Students are empowered and encouraged to become leaders in their own schools and communities.

The day began with leadership students of Columbia City High School giving a tour of CCHS.  Students toured the Whitley County Community Foundation with John Slavich, Program Officer, to attain a better understanding of philanthropy in Whitley County.  The day also included time for the students to share about themselves as well as a time for them to discuss the strengths and the challenges in Whitley County that they see young people currently facing.

The youth leaders will meet once a month through the remainder of the school year and conclude with a ceremony in April to celebrate their completion of the program.

Some of the topics that will be covered include servant leadership, philanthropy, community awareness, self awareness, diversity, and teamwork.  The class is led by program director, Dave Addison, youth educator from Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, and program coordinator, Monica Trump, an alumnus of Leadership Whitley County.