By Brad Baldwin
It is my turn to contribute to the Havre Chamber of Commerce's monthly article. Which works out great for me since I can discuss our latest project, Leadership High School. Many of you may have heard about similar programs in Helena, Great Falls or Missoula, but this will be the first year such a program will be offered for Havre High juniors.
I'm excited about this program because it has tow functions that will benefit the youth of the community. The primary intent is to develop real world leadership skills in the group of students selected. The secondary intent is to offer the students a glimpse of what life really is about in our community.
Currently the agenda has an initial retreat designed to help the group get acquainted, a day focusing on life skills, a day on current community and social issues, and a day devoted to government's role in our lives. The specific issues of each program have not yet been finalized.
This program will help the students discover a lot about the real world outside of high school studies. I know when I graduated from Havre High I had little knowledge of the working of our community. This is the type of program we need in order to encourage our youth to consider staying and contributing to Havre instead of chasing higher paying jobs out of state. I also hope the community members that get involved with the program can benefit by understanding a little more about the issues and concerns of our youth.
While I'm optimistic about Leadership High School, the real success will be judges after its completion next spring, when the first group of students graduate. If this program positively impacts just a few of the students about our community, it will have been well worth our efforts.
Finally, I would like to mention that we would appreciate sponsorship from local community members and businesses. We especially need sponsors for the breakfasts and lunches that will be provided to the students during class days. All sponsors will be recognized at the graduation ceremony.
If you'd like more information, please contact Debbie Vandeberg at the chamber office, 265-4383. If you are a student interested in the program or have any questions, please contact Kay Nessland at the high school.
