EDUCATION

Leaders of Tomorrow

Windham / Willimantic create learning space at summer camp

While children and parents around the state begin to prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s easy to forget that the summer is still a time where learning can happen. Students might not learn algebra, but they might learn camping basics, or a new sport. In Windham, students who participated in one particular training learned the value of leadership.

Held in partnership between the Willimantic Police Department and the Windham Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone (PRIDE) Coalition, middle school and high school students were invited to participate in the Windham Youth Leadership Summit.

From their website:

• The purpose of this Academy is to provide leadership training, life skills, personal development, team building challenges, public service opportunities, and interaction with community leaders and motivational speakers.

• The curriculum will include classroom presentations, community service, guest speakers, trips to the State Capitol, and the National Guard’s Leadership Course and team building activities.

• This course is designed for students entering grades 9 through students entering grade 12. Course hours will be from 8:am to 3:pm daily. Graduation will be on Friday, July 15th from 6:pm-8:pm.

• There is no cost for this course. Lunch is provided FREE of charge, every day.

Kids participated in activities supported by members of the community, the police force, and town leaders.

In one activity, members of the Willimantic Fire Department and Police Department paired with the kids in the classic egg drop competition where through teamwork and brainstorming, teams must build a contraption that will protect a raw egg when dropped.

And at the end of the academy week, three dozen participants graduated from the 2022 Youth Leadership Academy. In addition to the dozens of children and families, a special ceremony was held at the new senior center hall with the Mayor Tom Devivo, Chairperson Dawn Nile, and several other town leaders.

One special announcement was that graduates of this program are now eligible for a new scholarship program for past students who are entering into higher education or any EMT program.

It’s an important reminder that learning doesn’t have to stop at the end of the school year. Every community in every municipality in every state in this country needs people with good leadership skills, that know how to work best together and foster a positive working environment for all. Thanks to the Willimantic Police Department and Windham PRIDE, there are a few more leaders out there, three dozen to be exact.

The Education section of CT&C is sponsored by CT STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE