News Release to Gainesville Daily Register, July 2007
All American Leadership Academy at NCTC
A new program has been introduced and will hopefully become a tradition with the NCTC Summer Youth Program. College for TEENS included 21 students between the ages of 13 and 17 who graduated July 13 from the first All-American Leadership Academy. "It was fun," reports student Mariah Graham, "we learned a lot of new things in a short time. I especially liked the career assessments where I learned I would be a good translator."
Distinguished volunteers worked with the instructor, Anne Johns, and NCTC Lifelong Learning Coordinator, Barbara Gibson, to present a wealth of knowledge and learning experiences using engaging activities in place of lectures.
"These youth are smart," explains course developer Anne Johns. "They work well in teams, are encouraging to their peers and sensitive to the needs of their generation. It was a pleasure to spend time with them and see them enjoy the activities and lessons."
On Monday, the students were introduced to understanding personality types and individual learning styles. Denise Brewer, President of Our Career Quest, and Joe Stephens, President of DORE Achievement, made presentations to help the students come to know their personality types and how to deal with other personality types. Sandra Coffey, Volunteer Coordinator with Friends of the Family, emphasized learning how to manage emotions.
Tuesday’s class started out with a field trip to tour the Gainesville State School as an introduction to learning how to steer clear of trouble by making good decisions, saying no to drugs and alcohol and how to dealing with bullies. Volunteers were Rocky Vasquez, Co-founder, Gangs4Christ, David Johns, President, Fruit Bearing Ministries, and Maria Vega, Public Education Coordinator, Friends of the Family whose presentation included several interactive demonstrations with members of S.T.A.R -- Students Taking Action for Respect.
On Wednesday, Denise Brewer and Darleen Vanderbosch, Workforce Texoma representative, introduced the session for Career Assessment and fields of interest. Students did personal career assessments to help them get a focus of direction for their career goals. Aaron Davis, Coordinator, NCTC Windows Grant Program, told about opportunities available in healthcare and the youth visited the nursing department for a hands-on demonstration by several staff members.
Thursday was Talent Day to help students get in touch with their personal talents and interests. Most notable was a self-expression poetry, art and public speaking workshop facilitated by Ms. Johns and Arturo Garcia, Instructor, NCTC Drama Department.
The finale of the week was personal make-overs organized by Shirley Meek, Coordinator, Cosmetology Department. A mini-graduation ceremony gave each student an opportunity to share what they learned and present themselves as polished, All-American Leaders.
A special expression of appreciation goes to the numerous volunteers and donors of food and supplies, particularly those who helped facilitate the many activities throughout the week including. Glenna Metzler, Mary Jo Graham, Subway, NASCOGA Federal Credit Union, Alex Reveil, and others dedicated to mentoring our youth to help them see the alternative opportunities available and to make good choice. “The financial value of the donations and contribution of time are more than our Division can budget,” says Barbara Gibson, Lifelong Learning Coordinator. “Thank you seems very inadequate. Anne Johns has put her heart into providing positive opportunities for the local youth. NCTC Lifelong Learning Division is fortunate to have her on our teaching staff. I am hoping the program can be developed into an annual event that will help direct our youth to seek education and become peer leaders.”
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