Twenty-nine students from Austin participated in the third annual youth leadership academy (YLA) that was held last week at Arrowwood Lodge in Baxter, Minnesota.

 

The students are part of STAND, Students Taking A New Direction, which has groups that meet at Ellis Middle School, Austin High School and Pacelli Catholic Schools.  The leadership conference was funded through a five-year grant from the Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Division.

“The focus of this conference is to develop young leaders,” said Bill Spitzer, APAC coordinator. “In addition to developing leadership skills, this was a great opportunity for students to network with other students from across the State and share ideas on the importance of making healthy as well as responsible choices .”

STAND students have the opportunity to develop, organize and implement positive healthy activities within the school as well as our community. The Ellis Middle School STAND group will partner with hosting two haunted houses at the school this weekend.

YLA is a two-day workshop designed to help students enhance their personal leadership skills while learning effective ways to reduce alcohol and drug use in their community.