California Democrat

Each year, sophomores from each area school are chosen to attend the Missouri Leadership Seminar at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

The California students attending the free seminar in June are Dakota Harris and Audrey Imhoff. The seminar is for teens who have the desire to be leaders and strives to ignite their leadership potential. The seminar enables teens to identify their best qualities and learn how to use them effectively.

Rachel White, a 2003 participant from Tarkio, says the seminar changed her life.

"The strengths I have acquired have followed me to college and have opened the door for more leadership roles and great opportunities,” says White.

Another alumnus from 2004, Sommer Henderson from Kickapoo High, says, "MLS is like living in a perfect world: a place where no one judges anyone and it's considered normal to be yourself, even if it might be different from everyone else. I learned so many leadership skills to take with me back to my hometown."

Lacey Thompson, a CHS junior and a 2010 participant, is also returning to the seminar as a staff member for the 2011 session. Senior Don Figgins is also a veteran of the program.

Area businesses have received letters requesting financial support for the program. Those interested should contact Lacey Thompson through the CHS counselor’s office.