TEENS GET LEADERSHIP LESSONS

A new program to offer Cape Girardeau students the same lessons in leadership that the city's adults can enjoy began Wednesday.

Members of the first Student Leadership Academy met for about a half hour Wednesday night for orientation at Drury Lodge. Parents also were invited to learn about the program, which kicks off with a weekend retreat next Friday.

The Student Leadership Academy is modeled after the Leadership Cape program organized through the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. The student program is aimed at identifying student leaders and arming them with the tools needed to put their skills to work.

Twenty-five students from Cape Girardeau Central and Notre Dame high schools were chosen for the academy. Students had to apply for the program and will attend monthly meetings, said Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska.

The program is endorsed by area businesses and community leaders who have helped organize the effort. An 11-member steering committee has worked for the past year outlining the goals of the program.

Police Chief Rick Hetzel has been an ardent supporter of the program and believes it will benefit both the students and the community. No other program like it exists in the region, he said.

"All leaders face challenges today," Hetzel said. The program offers students a chance to meet community and business leaders and talk about issues they face.

During a weekend retreat at Pine Crest Camp in Fredericktown, Mo., the students will learn more about leadership models and skills. They will work as teams and learn more about their leadership abilities through a development inventory.

Students were asked to fill out a survey form and return it to their school counselors before the retreat. That survey will help them talk more about what sort of leaders they are and what they think about leadership, Hetzel said.

One of the strengths of the program is that students get to choose its direction. In the Leadership Cape program, the class generally talks about specific topics like government, education or business, said Loretta Schneider, a steering committee member.

Parents who attended the meeting think the program will be good for the community.

"I think it will be an excellent program for the kids," said Pat Schlosser, whose daughter, Christy, is participating. "You have to admire them for putting this together."