Youth leadership celebrates graduating class
May 10—ASHTABULA — Dozens of area youth were honored this week as Youth LEADERship Ashtabula County students received graduation certificates for their efforts throughout the school year.
The organization is dedicated to creating opportunities for junior and senior high school students to develop leadership skills and learn more about their community.
Senior students were honored at a breakfast and juniors during a presentation at the Ashtabula Arts Center on Thursday morning.
"Thanks for coming here to celebrate this wonderful group of students," said Beth Cybulski, program manager for Leadership Ashtabula County.
Close to 100 people attended the Thursday morning ceremony at the Arts Center with local leaders, politicians, students and their parents.
"Being a leader is about working together and cultivating that connect [to others] no matter the age," said LEADERship Ashtabula County Executive Director Kelli Jones.
The organization also runs a program for adults annually in an attempt to cultivate leaders throughout the community.
Jones said the county is a great place to live and the program allows students to understand the many opportunities available to residents.
"We are the community cheerleaders," Jones said.
She also highlighted the numerous programs for students, from nine Ashtabula County high schools, including interaction with the manufacturing community, a look at outdoor resources in the county and a chance to understand the various healthcare opportunities that exist.
The junior students have an opportunity to return for the 2024-25 school year and upcoming juniors have to sign up for next year's program by May 15.
Geneva High School student Julia McDaniel said she learned a lot during the year-long program.
"I got to learn a lot of different things about our county. It really showed that I can do to make a difference in our community," she said.
"It really helped me see Ashtabula County as a place I could stay and live."
