Bucktail Youth Leadership Visits LHU
LOCK HAVEN – Although the weather did not cooperate for the February session of the Bucktail Youth Leadership Program, and notwithstanding a three-hour delay, the participants and presenters worked hard to make the day enjoyable and educational.
The group met at the Lock Haven University’s Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center for the day’s activities. Bucktail students Anna Cowfer, Maria D’onofrio, and Katelyn Pick were introduced to a variety of speakers to provide new perspectives. The initial activity for the day included a two-minute informational speech from each of the sophomores that was assigned the previous session.
Ms. Juliette Meyers, LHU Admissions Counselor, and Ms. Jennifer Francescon, student admissions ambassador, then provided an overview of items to consider when looking at higher education opportunities, including the availability and quality of an interested area of study, campus location, clubs and organizations, housing, and cost. Ms. Francescon shared the viewpoint of a current student and gave an example of a typical day for her filled with classes, activities, work, and friends.
The students were introduced to two international students, Mr. Zoran Onditi from Kenya and Ms. Estefania Rodriguez from Venezuela, who each provided insight into a cultural learning experience.
The students had an informal time for conversation and a lunch featuring international dishes with recipes provided by the LHU students. The international students discussed their childhood, their preparation to come to the United States to study, and general differences in languages and customs. Ms. Rosana Campbell, Director of the Institute for International Studies, summarized the many opportunities Lock Haven University has for international study and service.
The final activity of the day involved a presentation by Dr. Erica Moore’s special education students. Four student groups provided the Bucktail students with activities in round-robin style to demonstrate what individuals who are afflicted with deafness, autism, Prader Willi, and muscular dystrophy endure to complete day-to-day activities. A review of the issues of each condition provided increased compassion for those with disabilities.
The Bucktail Youth Leadership Program is coordinated by Bobbie Jo Simcox and Gwen Bechdel as an activity club at Bucktail High School. The Leadership Clinton County Program is a generous supporter of the activities of the Bucktail Youth Program. The mission of the program is to provide educational experiences to help develop awareness in the areas of community, culture, and government.
Each session throughout the nine-month program includes a focus on leadership building, communication, and other life skills activities, and a public speaking component is assigned each time. The students are expected to gain a better understanding of the society in which they live, realize their own wealth of abilities and interests, and demonstrate how their involvement can impact their communities.
Photo: left to right: Anna Cowfer, Maria D’onofrio, Katelyn Pick, Estefania Rodriquez, and Zoran Onditi
