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Future leaders emerge through Penn State Lehigh Valley program By Kimberly Golden Benner
Pennsylvania Sen. Charlie Dent (center), a Republican representing the 16th District, and the Penn State Nittany Lion mascot join high school and Penn State students in a community service project at Stevens Park in Allentown as part of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Institute for Emerging Leaders of the Lehigh Valley program. photos by Cory Lamack	“It has often been said that leaders are born, not made,” Dr. Ann Williams, campus executive officer of Penn State Lehigh Valley, said. “It’s true that personal qualities lend themselves to leadership roles, but effective education and training are a significant factor in developing our communities’ future leaders. In this light, we have created the Institute for Emerging Leaders of the Lehigh Valley to provide high school juniors, noted with having leadership potential, the opportunity for additional education and training in this area.”   This innovative leadership development program is designed to create an environment where young adults can build on their skills to become effective community leaders.   Nineteen high school juniors from 17 local high schools meet monthly, from January through May, at Penn State Lehigh Valley to participate in three-hour sessions led by business and community leaders, professional trainers and Penn State faculty and staff. Sessions focus on social issues, such as diversity, environmental protection, community volunteerism, career development and mentorship. The students are able to learn from the experiences and expertise of a wide variety of presenters covering issues relevant to society today.   “We’ve been fortunate to be able to offer these students the opportunity to interact with leading professionals in our community,” said Cory Lamack, student affairs coordinator and organizer of the program. “I’m so pleased with the willingness of both Penn State and community representatives who have shared their insights and expertise with the group. Their participation has made the program an invaluable and enjoyable experience for these high school juniors.”   To be considered for the Emerging Leaders program, students had to be nominated by their school principal or guidance office and needed a letter of recommendation from a high school faculty or staff member who addressed the issue of why this student had the potential to be an “emerging leader.”   “We’re working with an impressive group of students in this program,” Lamack said. “It’s obvious why they were selected to represent their high school junior class. These students are already committed to service to their community and their schools. With this program, we’re just building on their strong leadership foundation.”   As part of the program, the students are participating in a community service project intended to improve the community. Along with local community residents and Penn State students, they are rebuilding and cleaning up community playgrounds. This project is being conducted in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Leadership’s community service project.   Students who complete the program by attending all five sessions will receive a certificate of achievement and be invited to Penn State Lehigh Valley’s spring Honors Convocation, where they will be recognized for their accomplishment.   Penn State Lehigh Valley is currently seeking high school juniors to participate in the second year of the Emerging Leaders of the Lehigh Valley program.   “Our goal is to have every high school in the Lehigh Valley participate,” Lamack said. “This is a wonderful program, and it’s exciting to improve upon it and plan for the next year.”
Dr. Ann Williams (left), campus executive officer of Penn State Lehigh Valley; Amy Luong, Dieruff High School student; and other high school and Penn State students add mulch to a playground as part of the campus’ Institute for Emerging Leaders of the Lehigh Valley program. From left, David Graf, Pen Argyl Area High School student; Sunny Singh, Parkland High School student; Priscilla Johnson, assistant director, Division of Undergraduate Studies, Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley; Cheryl Dugan, director, Leadership Lehigh Valley; and Brendan McElrone, Notre Dame High School student, plant trees at a playground as part of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Institute for Emerging Leaders of the Lehigh Valley program.